Senator JV Ejercito on Monday proposed that the entire police force in Region 7 (Central Visayas) be relieved, as it has jurisdiction over Negros Oriental, the province where Roel Degamo served as governor and was assassinated by a group of armed men who stormed his residential compound.
This came after Ejercito discovered that five of Degamo's six police escorts failed to show up for work on the day of the governor's assassination.
Ejercito stated that the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership intends to conduct the "cleansing" by waves, which he claims has already occurred.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker said he agrees with Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who said the Senate should investigate the Degamo slaying once all suspects and the mastermind have been apprehended.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. assured reporters at a press conference that the government is still in control of the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental, even as the investigation into Degamo's death and pursuit operations for his killers continue.
Azurin stated that he intends to contact five of Degamo's six police escorts to explain why they were not on duty at the time of the attack, while also explaining that security escorts frequently work in shifts.
The PNP provincial director for Negros Oriental and the PNP regional director for Central Visayas will also be questioned, according to the PNP chief.
