COLONEL Rainero de Chavez, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) director, condemned the killing of a couple and their son in Sitio Guinam-an, Barangay Buenavista, Murcia, Negros Occidental, on May 1, 2025.
De Chavez said the Murcia Municipal Police Station, in close coordination with Nocppo’s Investigation and Detective Management Unit, is now intensifying its investigation on the shooting incident that claimed the lives of the three individuals in Sitio Guinam-an, Barangay Buenavista, a remote location approximately 20 kilometers from Murcia proper.
“We are condemning this brutal and senseless act. Let me make it clear this is an isolated case. It will not affect the ongoing election period. The safety and security of our communities remain our top priority, especially during this critical time,” he said.
Nocppo records showed that around 8:35 a.m. Friday, May 2, the personnel of Murcia Municipal Police Station received report that Alias “Neldi,” 59; his wife, Alias “Josephine,” 60; and their son Alias “Jovie,” were shot to death in their house.
Investigation showed that around 7 p.m. of May 1, the victims’ neighbors heard an explosion and they thought that it was just fireworks. Around 5:45 a.m. of May 2, Alias “Joan,” who was fetching water from a well, discovered the bodies of the victims.
Neldi’s body was found in the kitchen, while his wife was found on the veranda. Jovie’s body was also found near the well.
Police recovered from scene of the crime three fired cartridges of .45 caliber revolver, a cartridge of .357 caliber revolver, a fired cartridge of .357 caliber revolver, and a slug of .357 caliber revolver,
De Chavez said land conflict is one of the possible motives being followed by the investigators, and persons of interest were already identified based on the interviews conducted by the police with the victims' families.
De Chavez assured the public that additional police resources and investigative support have been mobilized to assist Murcia Municipal Police Station in swiftly resolving the case and bringing justice to the victims.
“Nocppo and Murcia Municipal Police Station are committed to pursuing all leads and ensuring that the peace in the area is restored,” he said.
Nocppo urged the public to remain calm and cooperative and to immediately report any suspicious activity or information that may assist authorities in their investigation. (MAP)