On the second death anniversary of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, his widow appealed once more to the national government to expedite the repatriation of the alleged mastermind of his killing.
“We are hoping that we will continue to be patient and not lose hope that one day soon justice will be served,” said Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, in an interview with GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak.
The mayor said there were times when discouragement seemed strong, but the faith that justice will be served eventually for Roel and nine other victims has fueled her to keep going.
Afternoon until evening on March 4, 2025, families, survivors, and supporters gathered at the Freedom Park in Dumaguete City to continue to call for justice, and for peace and unity in Negros Oriental.
Roel was shot dead at past 9 a.m. on March 4, 2023 inside the Degamo compound in Pamplona town that left eight others dead on the spot, one who died weeks after due to complications of gunshot wounds, and at least 17 others injured.
Six suspects wearing pixelized uniforms and carrying long firearms shot Degamo, who was entertaining beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at his residence in Barangay San Isidro.
One of Janice’s pleas is for the national government’s continued 100% support for justice to be served to the Degamo family and the families of nine others.
“What happened to us, amo na lang to. Bason kon mahitabo ninyo dili ninyo kaya, munas ginhawa og adjust, daghang realidad nahitabo sa among life nga among dalangpanan kadto ra jung tua sa Taas [Kahitas-an]…I come here today to tell you true stories that what happened to us could happen to you. Dili gyud mi layhan mahitabuan pud mo. Kani atong gihimo dili ni political exercise. Mag-ampo gyud ta usa ta mopilî. Kitang mga taga-Negros Oriental, we are peace-loving people, and in my heart I know Roel became a sacrificial lamb,” Janice said during the peace rally.
Siaton Mayor Cezanne Fritz Diaz, nephew of the late governor, also said during the peace rally:
“Let us not allow that the death of Governor Roel R. Degamo will be in vain. Let us ensure that not a single family member of the perpetrators of my uncle's murder can hold public office again now and in the future.”
Further, Dr. Liland Estacion, head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, who survived the massacre delivered an emotional message on the brutal incident.
“Surviving a massacre, I myself is suffering too much. You may see me a normal person but deep inside I am traumatized. Sakit kaayo akong dughan, bisan pag nag-undergo kog debriefing. Dili gyud mawala ang panghitabo sa akong hunahuna. We’re all helpless, ang karumaldumal nga act nga gihimo didto kanamo. I am not complete anymore, some parts of our body are gone. Dili na gyud normal akong kinabuhi. Nakaingon ko silently sa akong kaugalingon nga asa ang hustisya? Silently akong kanunay giampo ang mga tawo gaplano, mga tawo gabuhat sa maong krimen, akong giampo nga manubag sila sa kasakit nga akong natagamtaman sa akong lawas ug akong kinabuhi,” Estacion said.
“As we gather in remembrance, let us not reflect on the pain but also on the incredible power of community, it is in the aftermath of tragedies like this that we see the very best of us - our compassion, our willingness to support each other, and our determination to push forward in the face of adversity. The [late] governor who fought for unity would have wanted us to continue to build a world where peace triumphs over violence, and love over hate,” Estacion added.
FEARS
Janice also expressed fear that pieces of evidence on the case of her husband and the other victims might get lost.
“I am expressing my fear that there might be tentacles of the Teveses who will try to reach the different offices of the government to prevent this case from being filed and I am hoping and putting my trust that our people in government will not tolerate such act,” she said.
Arnie Teves, the alleged mastermind, a former congressman of the Third District of Negros Oriental, is still in Timor-Leste amid his pending case, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on March 3, 2025.
In December 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals granted for the second time the country’s extradition request for Teves.
Remulla, in an ambush interview by GMA Integrated News, said he was told that they will get an update soon on the case.
“The appeal process in Timor-Leste seems to be endless but I was assured that we will get the news very soon about this matter,” he said.
(with reports from GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak Desk, GMA Integrated News)
