Six Arrested Over Sitting Governor Killed In Philippines

Six persons have been arrested in connection with the Killing of Negros Oriental Governor, Roel Degamo and nine others in Philippines on Saturday morning.

This was disclosed some hours ago as Police and Philippine Army continued its pursuit operations against the perpetrators of the gruesome crime.

Chief of Police of Pamplona Municipal Police Station, as of 7:30 o’clock in the evening, according to Philippines local time, 9 victims succumbed to death in various hospitals, 13 are confined with various injuries and 4 incurred minor injuries and are now out of the hospital.

The Police boss named the deceased as:

1. Roel Ragay Degamo- Provincial Governor
2. Jessie Bot-ay – Civilian
3. Jose Marie Ramirez – Brgy Kagawad
4. Jomar Canseco- Civilian Driver
5. Crispin Vallega- Civilian Guard
6. Jerome Maquiling- Civilian Driver
7. Quinikito, Florenda – Brgy Captain, Brgy Fatima, Sta Catalina
8. Retada, Joseph- Civilian
9. Fabugais, Michael – Civilian

Injured:

1. Lestor Chris Arnold- Civlian
2. Marlo Quilnet- Civilian
3. Doctor Liland Estacion- Head Medical Doctor NOPH
4. Corporal Gerald Malones- Phil Army (11th IB)
5. David Toryan Cortez (Media 96.1 Voice FM)
   6.Fredilito Cafe- Civlian
6. Chyrell Garpen- Civilian
7. Rosa Banquerigo- Civilian
8. Vickmar G Rayoso- Civilian
9. Mayben Jun Torremocha y Cabildo- Civlian
10. Nikki Espinas- Civilian
11. Pedro Flores- Civilian
12. Sgt Edmar Sayon- Phil Army (11th IB)

Out Patient with minor Injuries:

1. Diomedes Omatang- Civilian
2. Raymond Baro- Civilian
3. Rodelio Ragay Quinikito- Civilian
4. Nikko Torres Alavaren- Civlian

News media in Philippines, NORSUnian reported few minutes ago that Philippine National Police, PNP, Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. stated there is no need to put Negros Oriental in a “state of emergency” despite Senator Imee Marcos suggesting to his brother, President Bongbong Marcos, to declare such.

Azurin in a press briefing said the police wanted to know if the public had any additional information that could help the PNP find the mastermind responsible for the ambush-slay on March 4.

“What happened is hindi naman po fully organized yung mga perpetrator dito, yung nag-execute ng planong pagpatay kay Governor. That is the very reason na nahuli sila at nahuhuli po sila isa-isa,” Azurin added.

DILG Secretary, Benjamin Abalos Jr. commended PNP Provincial Director, Colonel Reynaldo Lizardo on his hard work in the joint PNP and Military operation for swift action to capture some of the suspects in the brutal killings.

NORSUnian news report reads this:

While trying to help his constituents, the late Governor Roel Degamo was among those shot and killed in his compound in Sitio Nuebe, Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona.

As of this writing, recorded deaths reached nine, while 14 were in-patient and outpatients were at two.

Several firearms, AFP uniforms, combat boots, and bulletproof vests were seized and displayed to the media earlier today as evidence that suspects used them in the Pamplona killings.

As of this posting, six suspects have been apprehended; one was killed on March 4 in an encounter with the police, while others were still at the loose.

Abalos also urged the people in Negros Oriental to have peace of mind, despite the fear and shock brought about by the bloodthirsty incident.

“The reason we are here right now is to make sure that justice will be served, which is very important,” Abalos said.

“Talagang walang tigil ito, all remnants dito tutugusin lahat ito, makikita nyo nalang sa mga susunod na araw kung anong klaseng operations, kung anong gagawin ng mga kapulisan,” he added.

In addition, House Speaker Martin Romualdez assured the public that they have nothing to worry about because law and order have been restored and that no further violent offenses would occur in Negros Oriental.

“We assure to the people of Negros na nandito tayong lahat para malaman ng buong Negros Oriental na nandito ang buong pwersa ng gobyerno para matapos natin ang kaso na ‘to. We shall apprehend all the perpetrators including the mastermind,” Romualdez added.

Meanwhile, to ensure government services are unhampered, former Vice Governor Carlo Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes took his oath as the new governor of Negros Oriental before the DILG Secretary last night in Manila.

On the other hand, the new Acting Vice Governor of Negros Oriental, former Second District Board Member Chaco Sagarbarria, also took his oath earlier.

PNP Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, Special Action Force, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines joined forces in the hot pursuit operation and manhunt operation to chase the other suspects.