Police intensify manhunt for more suspects in Degamo killing

Authorities continue the manhunt operations for the remaining suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, according to Chino Gaston’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday.

Members of the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Battalion said they have intensified their efforts in searching for at least four to five individuals believed involved in the killing.

“Mas doble ingat, at mas maraming puwersa dahil sa nakita nating mga armas, tapos yung capability nila, marami talaga sila, at talagang well-trained,” Second Lieutenant Jayr Labasan said.

(We are taking extra precaution, with more force because we saw the suspects’ capability and there are many of them and they are really well-trained.)

Police are also conducting checkpoints in the towns of Bayawan, Sta. Catalina, Dauin, Basay, Pamplona where deaths occurred relating to the group.

The slain governor’s house in Pamplona was closed to the public including the nearby restaurants and parks.

Vice President Sara Duterte attended the public viewing of the remains of Degamo in Siaton at 1 p.m.

The remains of Degamo were transferred to the family’s residence in Barangay Bonbon until his funeral on Thursday.

The Philippine National Police on Saturday announced the creation of a special task force to pursue the remaining suspects in the killing of Degamo, saying that the resolution of the case is near.

Three suspects were arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Bayawan City on March 4. One other suspect died in an encounter with authorities in the province, police said. Of the three arrested suspects, two were former members of the Philippine Army.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News