The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed belief that the resolution of the case on the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others is nearing.
“We are expecting major breakthrough in the coming days. In fact the NBI is now at the final stage of documentation with respect to the filing of corresponding criminal cases,” PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said.
Authorities said they are ensuring that the cases to be filed are airtight .
“Ayaw natin magmadali na makapagsampa kaagad tayo ng kaso,” Fajardo said.
“Gusto natin maliban doon sa extrajudicial confession na ibinigay ng mga suspek ay mayroon pa po tayong ibang ebidensya na alam nating malaki ang maitutulong dito sa pagsasampa ng kaso and eventually prosecution ng mga suspek particularly the mastermind behind this violent incident,” she added.
The PNP called on the five other suspects in the actual shooting to surrender, saying that they have a lead on the suspects’ whereabouts.
“Kung sino man po ang nag-utos sa inyo, kung sino man ang mastermind sa violent incident na ito, alam niyo po kung ano ang kakayahan ng tao na ito,” Fajardo said.
“Napapatay niya ang isang gobernador, napapatay niya ‘yung mga walang kalaban-laban na sibilyan. Hindi malayong maipapatay din kayo diyan,” she added.
Additional troops have been deployed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the province to boost the security there as pursuit operations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the suspect that was killed has been identified as Arnil Libradilla. Verification whether or not he was a former rebel is ongoing. AG/Report from Patrick de Jesus – gb
