• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Janice Degamo has welcomed the convictions of three of the suspects in the Pamplona massacre that claimed the life of her husband, former Governor Roel Degamo, and several others in 2023.
She said though that the court ruling brought both “pain and hope” to their family.
“For others, this may simply be another court decision. But for me, as Roel’s wife, it means so much more,” Degamo said in a statement posted on social media.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the first convictions on Sept. 9, 2026.
In a news release, the DOJ said the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 40 convicted three individuals arrested shortly after the attack.
Joric Garrido Labrador was sentenced to eight to 10 years in prison for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition while Joven Calibjo Javier and Benjie Rodriguez were each sentenced to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment for illegal possession of explosives.
The three were among those linked to the March 4, 2023 attack at Degamo’s residence in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona.
Degamo, who was serving as governor at the time, was shot to death. Nine other people were also killed while dozens more were wounded.
More than three years after the assassination, the lawmaker said she continues to carry the pain of losing her husband.
“There are moments when the reality that he is gone still feels impossible to accept,” she said.
Degamo acknowledged that no court decision could bring her husband back or erase the suffering endured by their families.
“No court decision can bring Roel back. No sentence can undo the suffering that our families have endured. But today’s convictions are an important reminder that justice does not forget,” she added. | GPB
