SENATORS condemned the gruesome murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo saying that this incident must not happen as they insisted that head must roll and urged the Philippine National Police to dig deeper into the issue.

Senator Imee Marcos, who arrived in Pamplona, Negros Oriental on Sunday, March 5, 2023 together with House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos condemned the killing of Degamo insisting the need for the proper authorities to work double time in solving the issue.

“Mariin kong kinokondena ang pagpatay kay Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo sa loob ng kanyang pamamahay nitong Sabado ng umaga, March 4.

Ikinalulungkot ko ito at nakikiramay ako kay Mayora Janice, sa kanilang dalawang anak at sa buong pamilya ng aking kaibigang si Gov. Degamo. Makakasama ko pa sana sya sa isasagawang AICS payout namin sa March 29.

Matagal kong naging kaibigan at kapwa gobernador si Roel. Sabay kaming nagsulong ng localized peace talks kay Presidente Duterte, at kung ako ay nanindigan sa agrikultura, sya nama’y ipinaglaban ang mga mangingisda.

Huli kaming nagkita ni Gov. Degamo noong November 20, 2022 sa isang AICS payout din. Alam ko ang hirap niyang pinagdaanan nitong nakaraang eleksyon. Nananawagan ako sa ating mga otoridad para sa dagliang pagresolba sa krimeng ito at paghuli sa mga perpetrators.” Marcos said as she expressed her condolences to the family of Degamo.

It was learned that eight individuals was killed recently by combined troops from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army in a firefight in Barangay Cansumalig, Bayawan City.

According to reports, at least three suspect were already in the custody of the PNP at the Pollice Provincial Headquarters at Camp Franciso Fernandez in AGan-an, Sibulan Town, Negros Oriental, where they are undergoing tactical interrogation.

Based on reports, the said suspects were believed to be ex-military personnel who have been dishonorably discharged from the service for various offenses involving drugs and going on absence without official leave (AWOL). The fourth who is believed to be an ex-military too is still at large.

“Huwag sana natin hayaang maging mitsa ito sa ating kapayapaan bilang bansang naguumpisa pa lamang bumangon mula sa pandemya. Sobrang sakit itong sunod- sunod na pagkawala ng mga kaibigan at mabubuting opisyal. Tuldukan na agad itong bagong karahasan sa ating bansa nang hindi maghari ang takot at ligalig.” Marcos said.

Senator Miguel Migz Zubiri who expressed his condolences to the family of Degamo and other victims in the brutal ambush challenged the PNP leadership to do their job seriously.

“I send my deepest condolences to the family of Gov. Roel Degamo and allthe people who wre illed in a brutal ambush in Negros Oriental, including civilian. I strongly condemn this dastardly act of violence. This is especially alarming, coming so soon after the ambush of Gov. Mamintal Adiong, not to mention the recent ambush on Mayor Ohto Montawal of Maguindanao del Sur, and the killing of Vice Mayor Rommel Almeda in Cagayan.” Zubiri said.

“For this ambust to happen while Gov. Degamo was in the middle of attending the 4Ps beneficiaries is absolutely appaling. It is sick and heartless, and the suspects should rot in jail. Head must roll, and the PNP must crack down on this case immediately.” Zubiri added as call on the PNP to strengthen its efforts against the culture of impunity.

Senator Grace Poe said the gangland-style shooting incidents executed in broad daylight are etching fears on the Filipino people.

“The spate of reprehensible attacks against local officials and civilians must be thwarted.” Poe said as she expressed dismay that several attack killed lives recently.

“We call on the police and other law enforcement agencies to wield their authority against these criminals who undermine the peace and order in our country. Authorities must act quick before the next target falls, and to assure our people that the open season for killing will not come upon us,” Poe lamented.