Bacolod cop surrenders in killing of missing single mom

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 43-year-old police staff sergeant assigned to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) surrendered on Saturday, Nov. 1, and led authorities to the body of a missing 42-year-old single mother found in a sugarcane field in Barangay Don Jorge Araneta, Bago City, Negros Occidental.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said the suspect, identified as PSSg Enrique Gonzalodo of Police Station 5 and a resident of Talisay City, was in a relationship with the victim, Kristine Joy Dignadice.

The suspect, accompanied by his lawyer and a fellow officer, voluntarily surrendered to Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.

According to Ibay, the suspect contacted him on Friday night, Oct. 31, to express his intention to surrender with legal counsel.

During the process, the officer allegedly admitted his involvement in the victim’s disappearance and killing.

Dignadice was reported missing after her car—a gray Hyundai Accent stained with blood—was discovered abandoned beside a sugarcane field in Barangay Gargato, Hinigaran, on Oct. 29.

Malong said the suspect claimed he accidentally shot the victim in the car, but no details have been released yet regarding the events that led to the fatal incident.

“This is subject to investigation because that was his confession, his allegation,” Malong added.

The officer’s issued service firearm was turned over to authorities for examination.

Malong said they are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death, while the suspect remains under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–NIR.

Ibay called the officer’s surrender a “significant breakthrough” in the case and assured the public of a transparent investigation.

“There will be no cover-up. We will let the evidence speak for itself. The full force of the law will be applied regardless of who is involved. Justice will be served to the victim and her family,” Ibay said.

He ordered a parallel administrative probe to ensure transparency and accountability within the police force.

“We assure the public that PRO-NIR is pursuing this case with the highest level of urgency, transparency, and professionalism,” he said, adding that the surrender brings authorities closer to uncovering the truth.

The regional office continues to coordinate with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and other units to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.

“No one is above the law. We will pursue this case with fairness, professionalism, and compassion for the victim’s family,” Ibay emphasized.

He commended investigators, Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), and other specialized units for their efforts and urged the public to avoid speculation and report any information that could aid the case.

PRO-NIR and BCPO condemned the killing and assured an in-depth investigation into the case.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, said the suspect was assigned to BCPO in September 2024 after serving under the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO).

Coronica said he briefly spoke to the suspect at the Bago City crime scene, where the officer claimed the act was unintentional.

However, Coronica said he has yet to learn the full details of the incident.

PRO-NIR has also not disclosed the circumstances leading to the victim’s death, including how she ended up in Bago City when the alleged killing occurred in Talisay City.

The regional office has yet to release a copy of the suspect’s extrajudicial confession.

Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez formally requested swift action from national agencies regarding the brutal killing of Dignadice, a resident of Victorias City.

“I am calling for a full and transparent investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Benitez said in a statement.

He also urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the Ombudsman to ensure administrative and criminal accountability, with independent monitoring from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

He said his office is coordinating with local authorities to provide legal and psychosocial support to the victim’s family.

“Justice must be swift, transparent, and complete,” the lawmaker said.

He acknowledged the response of national and local agencies, noting that the process is ongoing, and said he remains in close coordination with them to ensure accountability and transparency.

“What I can say for certain is… this is how not to get away with murder,” Benitez said.

He added that Victorias City mourned the brutal death of Dignadice at the hands of someone sworn to serve and protect.

“This act is beyond acceptance,” he said.

“We shall not be silent. We shall not allow one man’s crime to stain the honor of those who wear the uniform with integrity and compassion. Justice must and shall prevail.”

National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the case.

In a statement, Calinisan said NAPOLCOM would immediately take cognizance of the case since it involves an active PNP member.

“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,” he said.

Calinisan further assured the public that NAPOLCOM remains committed to disciplinary action against PNP personnel who violate the law and the police code of conduct.

Meanwhile, the Abang Lingkod Party-list condemned the brutal act in the strongest terms.

“Those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law,” it said in a statement, as they mourned the tragic and senseless death of the victim, a beloved daughter, friend, and fellow Victoriasanon.

The party-list said the act of violence deeply shook the community and betrayed the principles uniformed officers are sworn to uphold.

“Her life was cruelly taken by one who was duty-bound to protect, not destroy. No words can ease the pain now endured by her family and friends,” it said.

From this shared grief, the statement added, must rise a firm and united call for justice.

“We will not stand idly by. We will not allow this cruelty to define those who continue to serve with honor, integrity, and compassion.”

Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez also mourned the victim’s death.

“Her tragic death is heartbreaking, and her loss is deeply felt by all of us who believe that no one should ever fear the very people sworn to protect them,” he said in a statement.

He stressed the importance of transparency in the PNP and called for full disclosure of the truth to ensure justice.

Benitez acknowledged the steps already taken to hold the suspect accountable.

“They must continue to do so because Kristine Joy and her family deserve justice—and we deserve a police force worthy of our trust,” he said. (With a report from Dolly Yasa)