SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez led the House of Representatives in strongly condemning the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

In a statement, Romualdez asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned law enforcement agencies to do their best in identifying and arresting those behind the senseless killing.

“This act of violence is reprehensible. This is a direct challenge to the authorities,” Romualdez said.

“Kailan lang, siniguro sa akin ng PNP Chief sa meeting namin na gagawin nila ang lahat para matigil ang mga patayan na nangyayari sa ating bansa. I hold him to his word. Tulad ng mga kababayan natin, ayaw kong mawalan ng tiwala sa ating kapulisan,” he added.

Initial reports said that Degamo was shot by armed men while attending to beneficiaries of the 4Ps Program in Pamplona town early Saturday morning.

He was rushed to a hospital in Dumaguete where he died while undergoing emergency treatment.

The House leader said he expects the National Police to act with dispatch in arresting those responsible for this dastardly act.

“Stop lawlessness in the land and restore peace and order in our communities. That is your sworn duty.Hindi na puwede ang puro pangako. Kailangan natin ng agarang aksyon,” he also said.

Vice President Sara Duterte joined the people of Negros Oriental in grieving for the death of Degamo.

In a statement, Duterte has condemned the killing and said this is a tragedy to the province of Negros Oriental.

“I pray for the soul of Gov. Roel, who, more than a political ally, was a dear friend. I am one with the grieving people of the province, his friends, and his family,” she said in a statement.

The Vice President asked the authorities to immediately probe this cowardly, evil act and bring the perpetrators to justice and pay for their crime, especially the brains behind it.

“Authorities must start looking at the political feud that has gripped Negros Oriental and has taken so many lives, not just of Gov. Degamo,” she said.