Criminal charges have now been filed against three suspects nabbed in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others in Pamplona town in the province, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday.
DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Ty and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos announced that authorities have filed complaints for multiple murder against the suspects before the prosecutor’s office in Negros Oriental.
The suspects are also facing complaints for illegal possession of firearms before the prosecutor’s office in Bayawan.
The suspects were arrested in Barangay Tansumalig in Bayawan City, Negros Occidental nearly seven hours after the commission of the brazen daylight attack.
The three suspects were identified as:
- Joven Javier, 42
- Benjoe Rodriguez, 45
- Joric Labrador, 50
Ty said the suspects underwent inquest proceedings and a resolution may be expected within the day.
Degamo was killed by heavily-armed men who barged into his home on Saturday morning while he was talking to his constituents who were asking for help.
DOJ takeover
Ty announced that the DOJ central office would be taking over further cases in relation to the Degamo killing.
It has two witnesses in the case who would be admitted to the department’s witness protection program, he said.
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Motive unknown
Meanwhile, Abalos said no definite motive has been determined yet as authorities are still looking into all possible angles for Degamo’s killing.
“One thing is for certain, maganda ang progreso ng imbestigasyon ngayon. May nahuli tayo, maganda ang imbestigasyon at baka may mahuli pa tayo,” he said.
“Matutunton din natin ang mastermind nito” he added.
Manhunt update
Apart from the three suspects, authorities are still on the hunt for ten more suspects in the killing.
One suspect was killed in a shootout with law enforcers.
Abalos thanked the Negrenses for their tips and information that have been instrumental in the capture of the suspects.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has offered a P5 million reward to whoever could provide vital information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the other suspects.
Surrender now
Abalos called on Degamo’s attackers to surrender, saying it was their best option.
“‘Yung mga kasangkot dito, unang-una ako’y nananawagan sa inyo. It’s better for you to surrender dahil bukod sa nahuli na, meron pang mga pabuya lumalabas para sa inyo. Kung susuko kayo, mas gagaang ito,” he said.
President Marcos Jr. earlier condemned Degamo’s killing and warned those behind it that the government would not stop until it has caught them.
“I am warning all those involved in this killing: You can run but you cannot hide. We will find you. If you surrender now, it will be your best option,” he said.
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