4 ex-soldiers, 8 others charged vs Degamo slay

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 7, 2023): 4 ex-soldiers, 8 others charged vs Degamo slay (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Four ex-soldiers linked to the armed attack that claimed the lives of Gov. Roel Degamo and eight civilians were charged yesterday with multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges, before the Negros Oriental Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Dumaguete City.

Additional charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives were also filed against three suspects, who are now under the custody of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, at the Bayawan City Prosecutor’s Office.

PLt. Col. Gerard Pelare, spokesperson of the PNP Special Investigation Task Group, disclosed that 10 to 12 suspects were involved in the shooting incident, based on the testimonies of witnesses and video footage of the incident.

Those facing multiple charges were identified by Pelare as former Army Sgts. Joven Javier and Joric Labrado, ex-Army Cpl. Benjie Rodriguez, and another former soldier, who was also arrested on March 5, but his identity has not been made available as of press time.

All of the suspects came from various places in Mindanao and Visayas, Pelare said.

Asked if they have already established a breakthrough in the identification of the mastermind, Pelare said they have good leads in their investigations.

Pelare also believes that the remaining suspects are still in Negros Oriental, as they sealed all the entry and exit points, including border areas, to prevent them from escaping the province.

As to the declaration of state of emergency in Negros Oriental, Pelare said that is beyond their authority. But he added that they will implement it, if there is an order.

As of this time, he added that the pursuit operations are still ongoing against the five to seven remaining suspects.

https://visayandailystar.com/4-ex-soldiers-8-others-charged-vs-degamo-slay/