Negros Oriental Vice Governor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes assumed the gubernatorial position of the province following the brutal murder of Governor Roel Degamo.
He was sworn into office by Interior Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. on Saturday evening, March 4, hours after Degamo’s family confirmed his passing.
Abalos shared photos of Reyes' oath-taking on his Facebook page.
"Ngayong gabi, nanumpa sa tungkulin si Negros Oriental Vice Governor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes bilang Governor ng probinsya," he captioned.
Degamo was at his residential compound accommodating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4ps) beneficiaries when a group of men clad in pixelized uniform and in full gear barged in and fired shots.
The former Negros Oriental governor and nine other civilians were shot dead.
Three of the assailants have been arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army during a pursuit operation in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.
"Madiing kinokendena ng administrasyon ang karumaldumal na pagpaslang kay Former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo at sa iba pang mga biktima ng karahasang naganap kanina," Abalos said.
The Interior Secretary vowed that the police and military will not stop until justice is served for Degamo and the slain civilians.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying Remulla’ has offered Php 5 million reward for the information that can lead to the arrest of the former governor’s killers.
