Lawyer blocked because his 'client' alleged middleman in Degamo slay doesn't know him —PNP

A lawyer was blocked from meeting the alleged middleman in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo because his supposed client does not know him, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said they asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) about the incident.

“Nakipag-uganayan nga po tayo sa NBI para linawin nga po 'yan. But according to them, ay itong nagpapakilala na abogado ay hindi po kilala ni Ginoong Miranda at sinasabi niya hindi po niya ito kinuha personal,” she said.

(We coordinated with the NBI to clarify that. But according to them, Mr. Miranda said that he does not know this lawyer and he did not personally hire him.)

Fajardo added that the NBI pointed out that it is only being careful with regard to allowing anybody to talk to the arrested suspects in Degamo’s killing.

According to her, authorities will allow lawyers to talk to the suspects if the latter confirm that they personally engaged them for their services, which is the usual procedure.

Former Justice Undersecretary Reynante Orceo, who claimed to be the legal counsel of Degamo slay’s alleged middleman Marvin Miranda, said he was being prevented from meeting his client.

Orceo said he went to the NBI to meet with Miranda, but the lawyer was allegedly told that his client was undergoing a secret process.

Degamo and five others were killed in a shooting on March 4 in the governor's home in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. The death toll went up to nine the following day, while 13 others were reported to have been seriously injured.

According to Fajardo, cases will be filed after the Holy Week against the masterminds and conspirators in the killing. —KG, GMA Integrated News