Authorities are preparing criminal and administrative cases against a police officer accused of killing four people, including three fellow policemen, in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
The suspect, Police Staff Sgt. Bonifacio Saycon, is under custody after surrendering hours after the fatal shootings, the Philippine National Police–Negros Island Region said.
Killed in the incident were Sibulan police chief Capt. Jose Edrohil Cimafranca, Police Senior Master Sgt. Tristan Chua, Patrolman Rey Albert Temblor, and a civilian identified as Sheila Mae Dinanao.
Investigators said the violence unfolded late Friday night after a group of police officers had gathered at a bar in Barangay Tubtobon.
Dinanao, a bar worker, was shot first for reasons that remain unclear, while the three police officers were later found dead inside a vehicle parked along a roadside.
Police said two other officers who were present at the bar left the area to seek medical assistance and are now included in the investigation to establish the sequence of events.
A special investigation task group has been created to handle the case, with police leadership assuring that the probe will be impartial and reminding officers that firearms are prohibited in drinking establishments outside official duties.