Police have arrested a 32-year-old man identified as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of Kansumandig Barangay Captain Dennis Jimpayan in La Libertad, Negros Oriental, three days after the attack that left the village chief dead on a remote hinterland road.
The arrest was made at approximately 5:13 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, at the suspect’s workplace in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, according to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO).
Joint Teams Execute Hot-Pursuit Operation in Bacolod
NOrPPO credited the swift arrest to a coordinated hot-pursuit and intelligence-driven operation involving NOrPPO and partner Philippine National Police units. The operation led investigators from Negros Oriental across the strait to Bacolod City, where the suspect had reportedly been working.
Police have not publicly released the suspect’s name. An eyewitness positively identified the arrested man as the person responsible for the September 23 shooting, NOrPPO said.
Barangay Captain Shot Dead Before Dawn in Sitio Nabilog
Jimpayan was attacked at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, in Sitio Nabilog, Barangay Kansumandig, while riding his motorcycle home from Barangay Pacuan. Residents in the area heard several gunshots and found him lying on the road. He was declared dead at the scene.
The attack occurred in the town’s hinterland, roughly 30 kilometers from the La Libertad police station — a location that posed immediate challenges for the initial response and evidence collection.
Responding investigators recovered three spent shells and four slugs from a .45-caliber firearm, as well as a cellphone at the scene, according to NOrPPO. Initial investigation points to a personal grudge as a possible motive, though police said investigators are still working to establish the full circumstances of the attack.
Regional Police Director Personally Responds, Task Group Activated
The killing drew an immediate response from senior police leadership. Police Brigadier General Rudecindo Reales, director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), personally traveled to the area and activated a Special Investigation Task Group to handle the case.
The task group’s formation underscored the gravity of the incident, as barangay captains are frontline government officials and their deaths often trigger heightened security concern across local communities.
Congressman Offers ₱100,000 Reward, Mourns a Close Friend
Negros Oriental 1st District Representative Emmanuel “MM” Limkaichong Iway offered a ₱100,000 reward for information leading to those responsible for the killing. In a statement, Iway described Jimpayan as a close friend who had served his community for more than 20 years.
The reward offer — made before the arrest — reflected the urgency felt at both the law enforcement and legislative levels to bring the perpetrators to account.
Suspect to Face Inquest Before Provincial Prosecutor
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought to the La Libertad Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation. He will be presented to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Negros Oriental for inquest proceedings, NOrPPO said.
Any charges to be filed will depend on the prosecutor’s finding of probable cause. NOrPPO stated that it remains committed to resolving serious crimes and pursuing wanted persons in accordance with law and due process.
By the Numbers
- September 23, 2026, 5:20 a.m. — Time of the fatal shooting in Sitio Nabilog, Barangay Kansumandig
- September 26, 2026, 5:13 p.m. — Time of the suspect’s arrest in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City
- 3 — Spent shells recovered at the scene
- 4 — Slugs recovered, consistent with a .45-caliber firearm
- 30 kilometers — Distance of the crime scene from the La Libertad police station
- ₱100,000 — Reward offered by Rep. Iway for information on those responsible
- 20+ years — Length of time Jimpayan had served his barangay community
- 32 — Age of the arrested suspect
Why This Matters
The killing of a sitting barangay captain — a frontline government official — is a serious matter of public concern, and the rapid three-day arrest demonstrates the capacity of coordinated multi-unit police operations to pursue suspects across provincial boundaries. The case now moves to prosecutorial review, where the formal determination of charges will hinge on the provincial prosecutor’s finding of probable cause. The outcome will have direct bearing on accountability for the death of a community leader who served Barangay Kansumandig for more than two decades.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of NOrPPO / PNP
