The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) will conduct a motu proprio investigation into the case of a police officer from the Bacolod City Police Office tagged in the disappearance and killing of a businesswoman in Negros Occidental.
The victim, identified by authorities as Kristine Joy Dignadice, 42, of Victorias City, was the registered owner of a Hyundai Accent sedan found abandoned and blood-stained in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, Wednesday, October 29.
On November 1, the suspect, a police officer tagged as the prime suspect, voluntarily surrendered to PBrig.Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, Regional Director of Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.
Her body was found in a sugarcane field in Barangay Don Jorge Araneta, Bago City, on Saturday.
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said they will take immediate cognizance of the case as it involves an active member of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“The NAPOLCOM will ensure that due process is observed and that the erring police officer will be held fully accountable. The administrative case will proceed separately from any criminal proceedings filed before the court,” Calinisan said.
“The PRO-NIR stands firm in upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all aspects of police service. We are in full cooperation with the ongoing investigation to ensure transparency and that justice is rightfully served,” Ibay said.
Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Neg Occ. 3rd District) called for a full transparent investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and PNP; administrative and criminal accountability through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Ombudsman; and independent monitoring by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to ensure fairness and due process.*
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