BACOLOD City – A police officer assigned to Police Station 5 of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is facing murder charges in connection with the death of Kristine Joy Dignadice, authorities confirmed.
The Talisay City Police Station filed the case on November 2 at the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect, a married man, reportedly confessed to his involvement in Dignadice’s death, which authorities said stemmed from an alleged illicit affair.
Colonel Dennis Wenceslao, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOcPPO), said during a press briefing on November 3 that the suspect admitted to a relationship with the victim for several years prior to the incident.
“According to his confession, a heated argument occurred inside the vehicle, which led to her death. He claims it was an accident,” Wenceslao said.
He added, however, “Let the investigation and the evidence speak for themselves. If it was an accident, why didn’t he take her to the hospital?”
Based on the suspect’s account, the confrontation took place in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. While a firearm was placed near the handbrake of the vehicle, the victim reportedly attempted to grab it, leading to an accidental discharge that struck her in the neck.
The 42-year-old victim, a businesswoman from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, went missing on October 29. Her Hyundai Accent sedan was later found abandoned and blood-stained in Hinigaran town. Her body was recovered on November 1 along the boundary of barangays Jorge Araneta and Alianza in Bago City, following the suspect’s admission to his superiors that he killed and dumped her remains.
Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, clarified that although the suspect is a member of BCPO, the local office is not involved in the investigation, which is being handled by a Special Investigation Task Group formed by NOcPPO.
The suspect, a police staff sergeant, has been assigned as a patroller at Police Station 5 since September 25, 2024./PN
