By Gabriela Baron
Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo dead after being ambushed Saturday morning, March 4, at his residence in Barangay San Isidro in Sto. Nuebe, Pamplona, authorities confirmed.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Central Visayas Regional Director BGen. Jerry Bearis said Degamo was shot at his residence around 9:36 a.m.
Degamo was reportedly entertaining Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries at the entrance of his residence when a group of men wearing “pixelized” Army and Navy uniforms and in full battle gear peppered the governor with bullets.
The suspects also hit some civilians, according to Bearis. The victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.
Authorities are already at the scene for the conduct of hot pursuit operations and investigation, while roadblocks are also established all over the area.
The shooting happened days after Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda was also killed in an ambush in Cagayan.
Meanwhile, another ambush hurt Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and four of his cohorts in Bukidnon.
Datu Montawal, Maguindanao Mayor Ohto Montawal was also wounded after he was attacked by two unidentified armed men in Pasay. –cf