Solons call for end to impunity in NegOr
SENATOR Robinhood Padilla called for an end to the impunity in Negros Oriental, as punctuated by the fact that those linked to the killing of Governor Roel Degamo are members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who were entrusted to protect and serve the people.
At the continuation of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Wednesday, April 19, 2023, on Degamo’s assassination, Padilla said it is “not acceptable” for the police to commit such a heinous crime after they were trained using government funds.
He stressed that the issue being tackled by the committee is very complicated “but the main problem is not lost: the lack of trust in our police, the continued impunity in Negros, and the destruction of the name of the institution because of the scalawags that continue to destroy the foundation of the PNP.”
Padilla also asked if the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could possibly “take over” Negros Oriental and address the problem in the area.
Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino, on the third day of the Committee hearing, suggested the postponement of Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan elections in Negros Oriental this coming October to allow peacekeeping forces to concentrate on their job in the province.
Tolentino said if the election is postponed, “our peacekeeping forces will have a stronger momentum” in maintaining law and order in Negros Oriental, adding that barangay elections could heighten the already “fragile” situation in the area.
Degamo’s widow Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo, agreed with Tolentino’s suggestion.
The senator then moved to invite representatives from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to the next hearing to get their opinion on the proposal.
Earlier in the hearing, Tolentino assured that there will be an impartial investigation by the committee on the assassination of Degamo as he asked Coleen Pepino, wife of broadcaster Rex Pepino who was murdered during the Degamo administration, to submit to the Senate documents implicating the former governor to the killing.
