The Marcos administration requests a ‘Blue Notice’ from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) against the suspects of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo's murder, according to a Justice official.
Mico Clavano, the Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson, said that they have taken precautions since the cases have been adding up. The official added that those in relation to the Degamo slay, have taken concrete steps to bring out the international lookout bulletin and have discussed that some people will be added to the blue list or the INTERPOL’s Blue Notice.
The Blue notice is part of INTERPOL’s color-coded notices wherein international requests are made, granting permission to police of member countries to collect crime-critical information in relation to the case and is issued by the General Secretariat at the request of a member country, according to INTERPOL’s website.
“To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.” the Blue Notice states.
Through the Blue notice, the government can monitor the movements of the respondent, said Clavano.
Clavano added that hopefully it will be done around next week so that they are aware of the movements of the respondents who can be involved or are critical to the Degamo slay investigation.
And because the respondents are on the international lookout bulletin, they already have a record of the dates of departure, location, and other relevant data, the DOJ official said.
Furthermore, Clevano said that cases have been filed against four gunmen, who were arrested near the scene of the crime and 10 more individuals are being investigated by the government.
“Mas marami pa po ‘no sa sampu iyong na involved sa investigation ho natin. Lumalabas po sa mga statements na mayroon po tayong parang layering na tinatawag ‘no – so mayroon po tayong mga gunmen, mga directly involved po doon sa assassination bilang driver, lookout iyong mga ganoon… tapos meron ho tayong handler or parang middleman ‘no na tinatawag. So ito iyong nagsisilbing parang layer of security doon sa ating mastermind,” said the DOJ official.
The case buildup is “solid” and the government “just have to close all the little gaps”, said Clavano.
Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves is suspected to be one of the masterminds behind the Degamo slay yet ‘everyone has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty”. Clavano added.
“We cannot condemn ‘no, we have to let the wheels of justice turn. Hindi tayo pwede mag-convict sa media agad-agad, kailangan po dumaan sa tamang proseso,” Clavano said.
Following the illegal possession of firearms case which was dismissed, there are still 8 cases filed against the congressman.
Teves, whose travel authority expired last March 9, has yet to return to the country.
