Inside the Degamo compound in the town of Pamplona in Negros Oriental, a monument in memory of slain Governor Roel Degamo has been mounted. But unlike other statues on a pedestal, the monument depicts the March 4, 2023 massacre.
The governor’s body is slumped on the ground, face to the pavement, exactly how he looked after he was hit in the attack. A woman fell beside him, her weight rested on the governor. She was identified as Barangay Captain Florenda Quinkito, one of nine other victims.
Degamo's wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, said many have questioned her about the artistic rendition to the monument and the pain associated with the horrible scene. She pointed out she will have it replaced once justice is served. She said a new statue would depict Governor Roel on thumbs-up.
“Ngano kuno sa ako monument gahigda si Roel unya kana gyud unsaon nato kada adlaw mao na ato makita, ingon ko na every day that will remind us that there’s work to be done kay kung makuha nato ang hustisya magpagama nakog istatuwa nga nag ana na siya (thumbs-up sign (Bakit daw sa monument nakahiga si Roel, at bakit yan ang makikita natin araw-araw, sabi ko everyday that will remind us that there’s work to be done, dahil kung makakamit na natin ang hustisya magpapagawa ako ng istatuwang nag-ana na siya (thumbs-up sign),” the mayor said.
The mayor hopes for a speedy return of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves, Jr., to the country following his arrest in Timor-Leste on March 21, 2024. He is the alleged mastermind of the Pamplona massacre.
Teves was arrested following an Interpol red notice.
Authorities said he will be brought back to the Philippines either through repatriation or deportation.
REGULAR JAIL
Janice said her family and the families left behind by nine others who perished in the massacre would want to watch Teves locked up in a regular jail. They hope he would not be given special treatment.
“Kalami sa iyang kinabuhi sa Timor, pa-golf-golf lang, staying in a resort in Timor kana unta ang imong ma-reflect unta pod nila…regular kanang makatilaw sab sila daghan pod diay lamok diri no, samot nana sila nga naa sila hunahuna nga they’re above the law wala sila gahunahuna nga mapriso gud sila di pod na siya ka-imagine sa iya kaugalingon sa prisohan(Sarap ng buhay sa Timor pa-golf-golf lang, you are staying in a resort in Timor, yan sana ang ma-reflect din nila. Regular (kulungan) yung makatikim din siya na marami palang lamok dito no, lalo nang naiisip nila na they’re above the law hindi man lang nila naisip na makukulong sila . At hindi rin nya naiimagine ang kanyang sarili sa bilanggoan),” the mayor further stated.
The mayor said she is in constant communication with the members of other victims’ families, particularly on their presence in future case hearings.
GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak has reached out to Teves’ camp for comment but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.
