By: The Negros Times | With Reports By: Lyle Whatchamacallit | Last Updated: March 6, 2023 6:00 AM
The people of Negros Oriental and the entire Philippines are in shock and grief over the tragic death of Governor Roel Degamo. On Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, armed men attacked the Governor in Pamplona town. Degamo was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead at 11:41 AM.
Governor Degamo's wife, Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo, expressed her sorrow in a Facebook live video message posted on the governor's Social Media page. She said "Governor Degamo do not deserve that kind of death", and that the governor and his department heads were serving his people when the perpetrators shot and killed him in front of their residence in Pamplona.
Gov. Degamo was speaking to some of his constituents who are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (or 4Ps, a program of conditional cash transfer run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to address extreme poverty in the Philippines) beneficiaries when a group of people in full army and naval battle gear atop two SUVs opened fire on the governor, striking some bystanders as well. The victims were immediately transported to the hospital in Dumaguete City.
A Surveillance Footage Shows Armed Men And Can Be Seen Firing At Gov. Roel Degamo's Home
Governor Degamo was a respected and beloved leader who dedicated his life to serving the people of Negros Oriental. He served as the governor and was known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte both denounced the murders in separate statements on Saturday afternoon, urging investigators to hold the perpetrators and the mastermind accountable.
The death of Governor Degamo is a great loss not only to his family and friends but also to the people of Negros Oriental and the entire country. His passing is a tragedy, and the circumstances of his death are deeply concerning.
In Barangay Cansumalig, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, at least three getaway cars were discovered abandoned, and "more or less 10 suspects" were reported escaping the area.
According to the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) they have coordinated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to track down the registration of the Black Mitsubishi Montero with plate number YAP 163, as well as the Mitsubishi Pajero with plate number NQZ 735, and the Green Isuzu Pickup Truck with plate number GRY 162 that was left by the alleged suspects as they took off towards the mountainous area. Investigators said they already have leads of the possible owners of the vehicles. The bloodstains that were discovered on the vehicles were also sampled for analysis by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).
However, spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare refused to give further details pending their inquisition. Pelare added he is certain that the other suspects—who are still at large—have not left Negros Island.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Negros Oriental office has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the motive behind the attack, local law enforcement was immediately assigned of conducting a vigorous pursuit operation to search every nook and cranny of the area and apprehend the criminals responsible for the heinous crime.
The authorities is doing everything in their power to investigate this horrible crime and bring those responsible to justice. With the joint forces of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), Special Action Force (SAF), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Negros Oriental three (3) suspects have since been arrested who were former Army soldiers that were "dishonorably discharged".
On Saturday night, another alleged suspect in the attack and killing of Governor Roel Degamo was found during the ongoing pursuit operations of the local authorities. He was killed during the encounter and was pronounced dead with a "bullet wound" after he refused to surrender and traded shots with law enforcers. Authorities also recovered multiple ammunitions, high-end firearms, and explosives during the interception.
On Sunday morning, March 5, 2023, a different suspect was caught in a raid in Amlan, Negros Oriental who is believed to have been involved in the armed attack and killing of the late Governor Roel Degamo. The alleged suspect is yet to be identified, and is only renting in the said house when the authorities apprehended him as they recovered a cache of firearms, sniping gear, and ammunitions as well as two (2) vehicle plates.
The people of Negros Oriental and the entire Philippines stand together in condemning this senseless act of violence and in honoring the memory of Governor Degamo, a true public servant and patriot. Friends and supporters arrive to sympathize at the wake of the late Gov. Roel Degamo on Sunday, held at the residence of his parents in Babajuba, Brgy. Junob, in Dumaguete City.
Later that day, in separate occasions, Senator Imee Marcos; Hon. Luis Chavit Singson; and House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, together with DILG Sec. Banjamin Benhur Abalos Jr., PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino paid their respect to the slain Negros Oriental governor as they express their sympathy and sincerest condolences to the survived wife Mayor Janice Degamo and the bereaved family.
As we mourn the loss of Governor Degamo, his people will remember his legacy and the contributions he made to public service. His dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the people in his locality may continue to inspire and guide future generations of leaders in Negros Oriental and the entire country. May his soul Rest in Peace!
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