The Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office in Negros Occidental has found probable cause to file murder charges against the police officer who allegedly killed businesswoman Kristine Joy Dignadice of Victorias City.
In a resolution dated December 22, 2025, the Office of the City Prosecutor ruled that the killing of Dignadice constitutes murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, qualified by treachery and/or evident premeditation and ordered that information for the offense be filed in the proper court, Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said in a Facebook post on Friday, Jan. 16.
“A case of murder has been recommended against the accused police officer as prima facie evidence has been established, proving that what happened to Kristine Joy was no accident,” Benitez said
“We will continue to stand with the Dignadice family and push for justice firmly and without delay,” he added.
Dignadice, 42, was found dead in a sugarcane field in Bago City on November 1, after having gone missing on October 29. Her gray Hyundai Accent was discovered in Brgy. Gargato, Hinigaran, with a shattered windshield and bloodstains.
The suspect, Police SSgt. Enrique Gonzalodo Jr., assigned to Bacolod City Police Station 5, surrendered to authorities and led investigators to the site where the victim’s body was found.
During a press briefing on November 3, Col. Dennis Wenceslao, Director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), said Gonzalodo claimed that the shooting was accidental.
The officer alleged that during an argument, Dignadice reached for his firearm, which was placed near the vehicle’s handbrake. He claimed that when he tried to retrieve it, the gun accidentally fired.
The victim was his alleged lover.
Wenceslao said that investigators were not convinced by the suspect’s statement and maintained that the police have a strong case against the suspect.*