President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly condemned the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental March 4, and vowed that his administration will do everything in its power to bring those behind the killing to the bar of justice.
“My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice,” the President said in a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office this afternoon.
“The investigation into this murder is developing rapidly. We have received much information and now have a clear direction on how to proceed to bring to justice those behind this killing,” Marcos added.
He also cautioned that the mastermind and the perpetrators of the killing “can run but you cannot hide. We will find you. If you surrender now, it will be your best option.”
Initial reports said Degamo was talking to some of his constituents, who are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, in front of his house in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona town in Negros Oriental when a group of armed men, onboard two SUVs, fired at the governor several times, also hitting some bystanders.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., in a separate statement, said he has already ordered the Philippine National Police to conduct a pursuit operation against the assassins.
“Nakadeploy na ang mga puwersa ng Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, pati na ang mga kapulisan sa karatig na probinsya para galugarin ang bawat sulok ng lugar para agad na madakip ang mga kriminal,” Abalos said.
CONG KIKO CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez also condemned the murder of Degamo.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. Violence has no place in the Negros Island,” the solon said in a statement.
“On behalf of the people of the Third District of Negros Occidental, my family and I convey our deepest sympathies with Mayor Janice and their loved ones, and pray for their strength through this difficult times.
“I join the call to bring to justice the individuals who committed this despicable act, as I pray for peace in the Negros island,” Benitez added. ||
