Here are five key updates on the killing of Degamo and eight others.
1. Justice secretary reveals suspects have video of discussion with mastermind in governor’s killing
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, that the suspects in the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo have a video of their discussion with the alleged mastermind.
While Remulla refused to provide details, he stated that the video has probative value in the ongoing investigation.
With the accounts of the arrested suspects, Remulla believes that the investigation is nearing its end.
2. Perpetrators of governor’s killing are being rounded up
Following Saturday’s shooting of Degamo in Pamplona town, authorities have neutralized five of the gunmen. Four suspects were arrested while one was killed, and more than five suspects remain the subject of a manhunt.
The suspects have been charged for multiple murder and frustrated murder, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Two of the arrested suspects have been placed under the witness protection program.
3. Relief of personnel in Bayawan City Police Station ordered
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the relief of all personnel in the Bayawan City Police Station, which consists of 75 personnel, including its chief of police, Lieutenant Colonel Rex Aboy Moslares. He will be replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Amamaguid from Cebu.
The PNP’s move came after the initial ballistic examination revealed that the bullets recovered from Degamo’s body came from one of the assault rifles recovered from the suspects during the hot pursuit operations.
4. Innocent civilians among those killed
Degamo was not the only casualty in the incident.
Eight others, including innocent civilians, were killed during the shooting.
The owners of the vehicles used in the incident have been identified and are being investigated for their possible involvement in the crime.
5. Security concerns prompt transfer of suspects to Manila
The suspects have been transferred to Manila for security purposes. The PNP took this measure to ensure the safety of the suspects and to prevent possible attempts to free them from detention. (TPM/JGS)