Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday said that another suspect to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others has surrendered to authorities.
Abalos, who head the Special Task Force Degamo confirmed this to reporters.
“We welcome the report of the surrender of at least one of the other suspects,” Abalos said during a joint press conference.
He said that the suspect is now under the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He will be turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation.
Abalos said the suspect has vital information with regards to the case.
Meanwhile, in a radio interview, Special Joint Task Force Negros spokesperson Major Cenon Pancito III said that the six suspects are now accounted for.
“Out of the 10 na na-identify natin based doon sa CCTV footage ay six na po ang ating na-account,” he said.
“Yung isa po doon ay namatay, yung 5 po ay nahuli natin o nakikipagtulungan na sa gobyerno. Apat na lang ang ating hinahanap,” he added.
It will be recalled that on March 4, three suspects identified as Joric Garido Labrador, Joven Calibjo Javier, and Benjie Rodriguez were arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Bayawan City. Another suspect identifed as Arnil Labradilla died in an encounter with authorities.
On March 5, another suspect identified as Osmundo Rojas Rivero was also arrested.
Degamo and eight others were killed by armed men while the governor was distributing aid to his constituents on March 4.
Catherine R. Cueto
