PNP: From planning to execution, story almost whole on Degamo killing

The Philippine National Police has pieced together almost the entire story behind the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, the PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo has said.

In the latest episode of The Mangahas Interviews, Fajardo said the PNP was just waiting for the filing of the appropriate cases against the masterminds behind the attack on the local chief executive.

"Itong kaso po ng pagpatay kay Governor Degamo ay halos buo na natin ang kwento," Fajardo told journalist Malou Mangahas.

"Simula po umpisa at during the time na in-execute po nila yung plano, hanggang sa pagtakas po nila ay halos kumpleto na at buo na po natin yung kwento," she added.

"Iniintay na lang po natin 'yung official filing ng kaso sa mga posibleng utak nga po ng pagpatay," Fajardo said.

(We have pieced together almost the entire story in the killing of Governor Degamo. From the start and when the executed their plan, until they escaped, we have almost the entire story. We're just waiting for the official filing of the cases against the possible brains behind the killing.)

Fajardo said that there was a “conspiracy” in the assassination of the Negros Oriental governor.

“Obviously, there is a conspiracy in this case dahil itong mga suspects na may actual participation sa ginawang pagpasok sa bahay ni governor Degamo, ito po ay nirecruit, ito po ay binayaran, at talagang may mga pagpaplano as early as last quarter of 2022. So ang conspiracy ay tingin natin malinaw dyan,” she added.

(Obviously, there is a conspiracy in this case because these suspects who have actual participation in entering Governor Degamo's house, they were recruited, they were paid, and there were plans as early as the last quarter of 2022. So we think it's a clear conspiracy.)

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said that suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. was among those being considered as a mastermind in the killing of Degamo.

The PNP said a map of the house and family photos of the slain Negros Oriental governor was found in possession of a suspect arrested during a raid in a compound owned by former Governor Henry Pryde Teves, brother of the suspended congressman.

Arnie has denied involvement in the killing and has asked for fairness. His lawyer Atty. Ferdinand Topacio has asked the authorities to file the case so the congressman can mount a defense.

Pryde, on the other hand, said he was willing to make available his phone logs, emails, and bank accounts to prove he had nothing to hide. He also asked Arnie to come home.

Fajardo said that a sniper rifle registered to the congressman was recovered hidden in a creek at the family compound when it was raided.

“Meron pong isang critical dyan na isang baril na itinago sa isang creek within the premises po ng compound ay nag match po sa isang baril na nakarehistro sa pangalan ni Congressman Arnie Teves at ito po ay matagal na narevoke ang mga lisensya po niya to possess and own firearms,” Fajardo said.

(There is something critical there, a gun was hidden in a creek within the premises of the compound and it was registered in the name of Congressman Arnie Teves. His licenses to possess and own firearms were revoked a long time ago.)

She wondered why a high-powered rifle with a revoked license was concealed at the compound.

Fajardo also said that an improvised explosive device was recovered during the raid. She asked why it was at an agricultural compound when it was usually confiscated in the possession of terror groups.

GMA News Online sought comment from Topacio and will publish his client's side as soon as it is available. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News