President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday strongly condemned the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental, vowing his administration will do everything in its power to bring those behind the killing to the bar of justice.
“My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice,” the President said in a statement.
“The investigation into this murder is developing rapidly. We have received much information and now have a clear direction on how to proceed to bring to justice those behind this killing,” the chief executive added.
President Marcos also cautioned that the mastermind and the perpetrators of the killing “can run but you cannot hide. We will find you. If you surrender now it will be your best option.”
Initial reports said Degamo was talking to some of his constituents who are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries in front of his house in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona town when a group of armed men onboard two SUVs, fired at the governor several times, also hitting some bystanders.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., in a separate statement, said he has already ordered the Philippine National Police to conduct a pursuit operation against the assassins.
“Nakadeploy na ang mga puwersa ng Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office pati na ang mga kapulisan sa karatig na probinsya para galugarin ang bawat sulok ng lugar para agad na madakip ang mga kriminal,” Abalos said. (PND)
