Suspect shot dead, three arrested in search of Philippines governor assassins (video)
A suspect in the assassination of a Philippines governor was shot dead in a shoot-out with police yesterday while three others were arrested.
The attack, which occurred in the heartland of the Philippine sugarcane industry, left 17 people injured, reported Bangkok Post.
The provincial governor of Negros Oriental, Roel Degamo was brutally murdered in the early hours of Saturday morning, along with eight others, in a vicious attack on his own home. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the country.
Six armed men, dressed in military-style uniforms, stormed into Governor Degamo’s residence and opened fire. They showed no mercy, shooting anyone in their path. Seventeen people were wounded, and the death toll has now risen to nine.
The police have been quick to act, and three suspects have been arrested. However, the investigation is far from over. It has been revealed that two of the suspects were former soldiers who were dishonourably discharged several years ago. The army has released a statement condemning the actions of these individuals.
The police have also confirmed that a fourth suspect was shot dead in a shootout on a nearby plantation. Authorities believe that up to ten people were involved in the attack and that some are still at large.
The motive for this heinous crime is not yet clear. Philippines governor Degamo was a respected politician who had campaigned for President Ferdinand Marcos during his run for office. Marcos condemned the assassination of his ally and sent top officials to investigate.
The attack has shocked the nation, and the police have vowed to bring the mastermind behind this crime to justice. They have presented evidence, including high-powered firearms and camouflage uniforms, gathered from the suspects.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos has promised to capture the mastermind, stating that justice will be served.
This attack is just the latest in a series of assaults on Philippine politicians. It is a stark reminder of the violence that often accompanies politics in this part of the world.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said…
“We will capture the mastermind, I assure you that.”
WATCH: One of the arrested suspects involved in the slaying of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was brought to the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office for probe today. | via @feanneperez pic.twitter.com/l4jMDw7y8H
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 5, 2023