13 more cases to be filed soon vs suspects in Degamo slay —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said 13 more cases would be filed soon against the suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

In a press conference, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said that the mastermind will be unmasked upon the filing of the cases.

“Doon po sa 13 cases to be filed soon, yung apat pong arrested plus the other 12 John Does will be included as respondents… The mastermind will be unmasked as soon as we file the cases,” said.

(In those 13 cases, tne four arrested suspects and the other 12 John Does will be included as respondents… The mastermind will be unmasked as soon as we file the cases.)

Special Task Force Degamo head, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos,  said that a total of 17 cases have already been filed against the suspects so far.

“Ang nai-file na natin, walong kaso of murder, six cases of frustrated murder, isang violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 and violation of RA 9516, dalawa. A total of 17 cases filed,” he said.

(We already filed eight cases of murder, six cases of frustrated murder, one violation of RA 10591, and two for RA 9516.)

Abalos called on the suspects at large, including the mastermind, to surrender to authorities.

“Kilala mo naman kung sino ka. Alam mo naman kung gaano kalaking puwersa ang naghahanap sayo at alam mo naman yung mga taong nahuli namin at kung ano ang  puwede magawa nito sayo. Sumuko ka na,” he said.

(You know who you are. You know how big the forces that are searching for you and you know the people we arrested and you know what that means. Surrender.)

Meanwhile, Abalos denied the allegation that his efforts in the Degamo case was a political vendetta.

“Kung pumatay ka ng tao na parang pinapatay ka lang ng hayop, walang kalaban-laban, managot ka (If you killed people like you killed a helpless animal, you should be accountable.)

On March 4, Degamo and five others were killed while 13 others were injured in the attack which was done while the governor was distributing aid to his constituents at his residence in Pamplona town. The death toll increased to nine on Sunday.

Two of the suspects pointed to a certain “Cong Teves” as the one who allegedly ordered the hit on Degamo. Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves had denied his involvement.

Earlier, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. vowed that there will be no cover up in the investigation into the supposed absence of some police security of Degamo.

Degamo's nephew, Mayor Cezanne Fritz Diaz, meanwhile, believes an organized group was behind the killing. —VAL, GMA Integrated News