Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was shot dead inside his residential compound in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona, Negros Oriental, on Saturday morning, March 4.
Based on the initial report from Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7), at around 9:30 am, Regamo was accommodating beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4ps) at the entrance of his house, when a group clad in pixelated police uniforms and in full gear arrived.
The group fired shots at the Negros Governor, and several civilians were hit.
The victims were immediately rushed to the nearest provincial hospital.
According to PRO-7, the Provincial Director is currently at the crime scene for operations and investigation.
"Roadblocks are established all over the area," it added.
Meanwhile, in a video statement, Degamo’s family confirmed that he had passed away hours after the incident.
The niece of the Negros Governor also confirmed his passing.
“Today, I received a devastating news that my uncle, who was the Governor, and my Aunt Mama linda, who was a Captain, were ambushed and killed during a meeting in Negros Oriental,” Michelle Ching Vergara wrote in a Facebook post.
She said this was not the first time that political violence happened in Negros.
“Last 2019, my Uncle, who was then a Captain was also shot because of politics. The tragic event has left a permanent scar, and it will never be same again. It's disheartening to know that such heinous acts are happening in Negros Oriental. Justice for them,” Vergara recalled.
Degano’s murder comes just weeks after the death of Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda, and attempted assassinations of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and Tunggol Datu Montawal Mayor Ohto Montwal Caumbo.
