The murdered governor of Negros Oriental, Roel Degamo (from the governor’s Facebook page)At around 9:36 a.m. on the 4th in San Isidro, Pamplona, Negros Oriental, Visayas Governor Roel Degamo, who was waiting for visitors near his home, was shot by a group of heavily armed men in camouflage uniforms. At least nine people were killed, including a barangay chairman, private security guards and civilians. By the 5th, 13 people with serious injuries were hospitalized, and four with minor injuries had been discharged. Those seriously injured include military personnel, a radio personality and a doctor.
Janis Degamo, the governor’s wife and mayor of Pamplona, said on social media that the governor was confirmed dead around 11:41 a.m. After the incident, the national police immediately set up a special task force and announced that they would work with the army to track down the suspect and identify the main culprit. At around 4:20 p.m. that day, three of the ten suspected murderers (two of whom were former soldiers) were arrested, and after 9 p.m. One suspect was shot dead.
At the time of the murder, Governor Degamo was serving a 4P recipient. An armed group in two cars appeared there, entered the governor’s house, shot guns at the governor and others on the premises, and fled by car. Officials and civilians who were present at the scene were also said to have been shot indiscriminately and taken to a nearby hospital.
“The government will not rest until the suspects of this vile and heinous crime are brought to justice,” Marcos warned on the same day. issued a statement. He also said, “The investigation into this case is progressing rapidly and we already have a lot of information. We have a clear direction on how to proceed to bring those behind it to justice.”
Is there a problem with the gubernatorial election?
DeGamo was runner-up in the state’s gubernatorial race in last May’s general election, ahead of Henry Tevez. However, Mr. DeGammo complained to the central election that the votes went to a loose candidate whose name was very similar to his. In October last year, the Central Election Commission accepted Mr. DeGamo’s appeal, and then-Governor Tevez decided to change the governor, saying, “I can appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.” The Tevez campaign’s appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court in February, but threats against Governor DeGamo continued.
According to CCTV footage, the killer was wearing camouflage, a bulletproof vest and was armed with heavy weapons. In addition to firing without hesitation, three vehicles that are believed to have been used for escape were abandoned in the mountains of Bayawan City, about 10 kilometers from the governor’s home, suggesting a well-prepared professional method.
▽ Ex-soldiers arrested
The three suspects were arrested in a chase in Bayawan City, one of which is Jorick Labrador, 50, a former army officer who lives in Cagayan de Oro City. Joben Aber, 42, who lives in Negros Oriental, was also a former Army Special Forces member. Benji Rodriguez, 45, who lives in West Misamis state, is not believed to be a member of the military. The identity of the deceased suspect has not been released.
A pistol, a magazine with live ammunition, and three ID cards were seized from the three men, but later statements revealed that they had four assault rifles, ammunition, magazines, wide belts for ammunition, and several other items. Camouflage uniforms and bulletproof vests were found.
The killing of Governor DeGamo is the fourth attack on a local head in the past month. On February 19, Alameda, the deputy mayor of Aparri, Isabela, and his group were attacked by an armed group, killing six people, including the deputy mayor. The convoy was attacked by an armed group, and the governor was injured and four people who accompanied him were killed. (Kaoru Okada)
