3 charged with multiple murder over Degamo killing
THREE individuals have been charged with multiple murder in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several others on Saturday.
This was announced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. during a joint press briefing at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday.
The suspects, a former Philippine Army personnel from Cagayan de Oro, one former Philippine Army ranger from La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and “Benjie” from Mindanao, were charged.
The charges were filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Dumaguete City. Along with the governor, eight civilians were killed, and 16 others were injured.
The suspects were arrested on the same day during a hot pursuit operation conducted by the police and military in the mountainous area of Barangay Kansumalig.
In addition to multiple murder charges, they were charged with violating Republic Act (RA) No. 9516 (Illegal possession of firearms and explosives) and other charges.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed the charges filed against the suspects during the same press briefing.
Two cases have been taken into cognizance by the DOJ, the first being filed in the Office of the City Prosecutor of Bayawan involving the violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and PD (Presidential Decree) 1866 as amended by RA 9516 for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, Ty said.
Last Saturday’s attack claimed the lives of at least nine individuals, including the governor.
Witnesses stated that heavily-armed suspects wearing camouflage uniforms carried out the attack on the governor’s residence in Pamplona town, where he was meeting beneficiaries of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” (4Ps).
The police and military conducted hot pursuit operations and arrested three individuals, including two former military members, within five hours following the attack.
Degamo was killed 19 days after the Supreme Court declared him the winner in the contested gubernatorial race in his province.
