Negros Oriental Police Staff Sergeant Pleads Not Guilty to Four Murder Charges

BACOLOD CITY – Police Staff Sgt. Bonifacio Saycon pleaded not guilty to multiple murder charges over the death of his three colleagues and a civilian during his arraignment in a Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Regional Trial Court on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Police Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said the next steps in the case are now beyond their jurisdiction. He added that authorities are unaware of the discussions between Saycon and his legal counsel regarding the plea but assured that the police will extend all necessary assistance to the prosecution. Following the arraignment, Saycon will undergo pre-trial proceedings, which include the presentation of evidence, before the case proceeds to full trial. Saycon is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of 38-year-old Chelamie Dinawanao, who was shot inside a restobar in Barangay Tubtubon, Sibulan, Negros Oriental on Jan. 9. Dinawanao was working at the establishment when she was shot. Saycon and three fellow police officers were reportedly celebrating the birth anniversary of their chief, Police Capt. Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, when the shooting happened. After the initial shooting, Saycon’s colleagues escorted him out of the bar and boarded a vehicle owned and driven by Cimafranca, with Police Senior Master Sgt. Tristan Joseph Chua and Police Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor. Saycon allegedly shot them inside the vehicle before surrendering to the Tanjay City Police Station in Negros Oriental. The suspect was also charged with qualified direct assault with murder for the deaths of his three colleagues. Polinar said that Saycon has been transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Dumaguete City, following the issuance of a commitment order on Monday, Jan. 19. Authorities are looking into personal grudges as a possible motive in the shooting. Investigation is ongoing. The slain police officers have been laid to rest. Dinawanao’s remains were brought back to her hometown in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.