New AFP operatives arrive in NegOr to bolster manhunt of Degamo slay case suspects, mastermind

The additional forces deployed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to help the continuing follow-up operations following the death of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Ragay Degamo arrived last Sunday, March 12, in the province.

The AFP Special Operations Command, alongside the 50-troop Light Reaction Regiment (LRR), will serve as the augmentation force of the first battalion in Negros Oriental.

The joint operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Special Action Force (SAF), Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG), and other units will be held to find the other suspects and the mastermind of the Degamo slay case.

Degamo was shot dead during the assistance to beneficiaries distribution of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the receiving area of his home in Barangay Isidro, Pamplona town, at 9:36 am last March 4.

Eight other individuals also got killed: Jerome Maquiling, 48; Jomar Canseco, 33; Crispin Vallega, 40; Jessie Bot-ay, 48; Jose Marie Ramirez, 41; Florenda Quinikito; Joseph Netada; and Michael Gidan Fabugais.

Moreover, the shooting yielded 14 wounded people, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Liland Estacion, Provincial Social Welfare Officer Rosa Banquerigo, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Head Marlo Quilnet.

The following also sustained gunshot wounds on their bodies: Fred Cafe, Corporal Gerald Malones, David Cortes, Chyrell Garpen, Vickmar Rayoso, Mayben Jun Torremocha, Sgt. Edmar Sayon, Raymond Baro, Lestor Kris Arnold, Domedies Umatang, and a still unidentified man.

Six were confined in Silliman University Medical Center, five in Ace Dumaguete Doctor, two in Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, and one in Negros Polymedic Hospital.

One of the suspects was killed in a shootout in Sitio Punong, Barangay Cansumalig, Bayawan City, last March 4. The assailant remained unidentified.

Alleged gunmen Joric Labrador, 50; Joven Aber, 42; and Benjie Rodriguez, 45, were arrested on the afternoon of the same day.

On Sunday morning, March 5, another suspect in Osmundo Rivero was caught in Bayawan City.

Operatives suspect there are around 10 people involved in the shooting.
Last week, Degamo's body was moved to Negros Oriental Capitol in Dumaguete City from his residence for public viewing by Negorenses.

The former Negros Oriental governor was transferred to his hometown in Barangay Bonawon at Siaton municipality on Monday morning, March 13, after the last night vigil in the capitol on Sunday night.

Thursday, March 16, was the scheduled date of his funeral, wherein Degamo will be buried alongside his parents and sister. (Aldwin Geavador/Radyo Natin Bais City, Negros Oriental)