AMID the ongoing gun ban, Negros Occidental was left in shock after the broad daylight assassination of former policeman Reynaldo Bernil, Jr. in Barangay Dulao, Bago City, on February 27.
At around 8:30 a.m., Bernil, riding a single motorcycle, was gunned down while crossing the steel bridge in Purok Michelle, Dulao. He had just dropped off his child at school when an undetermined number of suspects carried out the attack, according to Lieutenant Judesses Catalogo, spokesman for the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCCPO).
As of this writing, the motive behind the killing remains unclear, with police investigators continuing their probe, Catalogo said.
No Ordinary Personality
According to a police report, Bernil was no ordinary personality, making his murder all the more intriguing.
The dismissed cop had been linked to the illegal drug trade in northern Negros Occidental and gun-for-hire operations in Bacolod City, based on police intelligence findings.
But why?
Bernil was not just an ordinary policeman — he was a sharpshooter. He was once a member of the elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Later, he was transferred to the Manapla Police Station before being dismissed from the service on April 20, 2015, due to an administrative case for serious neglect of duty after failing to appear in court.
Because of the circumstances surrounding his death, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has deemed Bernil’s killing the most serious gun ban-related incident in the province since the nationwide firearm prohibition took effect on January 12 to ensure a crime-free May 12 midterm election.
Murder Suspect
Colonel Rainerio de Chavez, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), linked Bernil to the proliferation of shabu, particularly in northern Negros Occidental.
Given this, Bernil’s death is expected to disrupt the illegal drug trade in the area. However, De Chavez emphasized, “There will be no letup in our campaign against illegal drugs across the province.”
Records also show that Bernil was once accused as the primary suspect in the murder of SPO4 Roger Cañete, who was gunned down in Purok Patio, Barangay 2-Poblacion, EB Magalona, on February 18, 2015. However, the case was dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence and probable cause.
More recently, in August 2024, Bernil was again implicated — this time in harassment, mauling, and extortion activities in Barangay Dulao, Bago City, allegedly carried out alongside unidentified individuals.
Gun-for-Hire Link
Beyond illegal drugs, another shocking revelation has surfaced.
According to Colonel Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Bernil was also linked to a gun-for-hire syndicate operating in Bacolod. Police records indicate that some of the city’s most notable killings in recent years had ties to him.
In light of these findings, NOCPPO Director de Chavez stated, “We are deepening our probe into Bernil’s specific role in the illegal drug trade, as well as other crimes in the province.”
De Chavez further emphasized, “We are also in the process of validating all the information we have gathered about him. It is crucial that we establish the identities of the perpetrators behind his killing.”
Complicated Case
For Colonel de Chavez, Bernil’s murder is undoubtedly a complicated case. While investigators have an abundance of information, he stressed the need for careful verification and cautious handling of every lead.
Still, NOCPPO is not ruling out the possibility that a drug syndicate or a notorious criminal group in the province was behind Bernil’s assassination.
The situation remains tricky, but one thing is clear: gun violence in Negros Occidental persists despite the Comelec-imposed gun ban.
To prevent similar incidents, NOCPPO has intensified its law enforcement efforts to deter criminal activities during the election season. Among these measures is the strict implementation of Comelec checkpoints in various parts of the province.
A step in the right direction.
Crackdown on Loose Firearms
De Chavez also emphasized that police are aggressively enforcing search warrants to recover unlicensed or loose firearms, preventing them from being used in criminal activities.
To further strengthen security, NOCPPO has deployed the Police Mobile Force Company to enhance police visibility in barangays. In addition, all police stations have been instructed to develop action plans focusing on interventions to address both past and potential shooting incidents within their respective areas of responsibility (AORs).
Meanwhile, the Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN) has been mobilized to gather intelligence on individuals linked to shooting incidents and the possession of illegal firearms.
Big Blow Against the Gun Ban
As the election season heats up, police authorities must ensure the strict enforcement of the gun ban. If NOCPPO fails to uphold it effectively, the situation could become increasingly dangerous.
Bernil’s murder is a major blow to the gun ban, sending shockwaves across Negros Occidental’s peace-loving communities. However, on the flip side, his death could also deal a significant setback to the shabu trade in the province.
Still, the police must dig deeper. There is more to uncover in Bernil’s assassination.
I understand that this is a sensitive case, but there is no substitute for a well-informed investigation. Authorities must fully grasp who Bernil was—before, during, and after his time in the Philippine National Police.
One thing is certain: the truth about Bernil is far more than just intrigue./PN
