MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President , on Saturday, March 4, 2023, condemned the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight (8) other staff inside the compound of his house in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona town, Negros Oriental.
“My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice,” Marcos, Jr. in a statement said.
The president said the investigation of the murder is developing rapidly. “We have received much information and now have a clear direction on how to proceed to bring to justice those behind this killing,.”
Police Regional Office 7 investigation showed that Degamo was distributing assistance to 4Ps beneficiaries inside his compound when the suspects who were clad in military uniform entered the compound and immediately fired their high-powered firearms,
A Close-Circuit TV Video (CCTV) uploaded on social media showed six armed men entering the compound.
Marcos warned “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.”
For her part, Vice President Sara-Duterte condenmed the murder of Degamo.
“His death is a tragedy to the province of Negros Oriental, and I am one with the grieving people of the province, his friends, and his family,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Duterte-Carpio added that authorities must immediately probe this cowardly, evil act, bring the perpetrators to justice, and pay for their crime, especially the brains behind it.
“The attack exposes the extent of desperation, depravity, and thirst for the violence of the people who masterminded it, as they showed an absolute absence of regard for the lives of the five civilians who were among the fatalities — making it all the more appalling and unforgivable,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Authorities must start looking at the political feud that has gripped Negros Oriental and has taken so many lives, not just of Gov. Degamo. I pray for the soul of Gov. Roel, who, more than a political ally, was a dear friend. I also pray for the souls of the civilians who also died in the attack,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“The people of Negros Oriental must collectively condemn the killing of Gov. Roel and the five other residents of the province,” Duterte-Carpio added.
While Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri in a statement said “I send my deepest condolences to the family of Gov. Roel Degamo and all the people who were killed in a brutal ambush in Negros Oriental, including civilians.”
