DOJ: Manila court has issued gag order in Roel Degamo case

A Manila court has issued a gag order in the Roel Degamo murder case, barring the parties involved from discussing its merits with the public, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday, adding that it welcomes the development.

“We think it is very prudent and diligent for [the judge] to issue such an order. And kami susunod po kami [we will follow] because we would rather battle it out in court,” Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano told reporters on Wednesday.

“We would rather do this behind closed doors dahil napaka-sensitive po ng mga operational details nito [because the operational details are sensitive],” he added.

Clavano said there is no prior incident that led the court to issue a gag order.

Degamo, the governor of Negros Oriental, was assassinated at home in the town of Pamplona on March 4, 2023 by a group of gunmen who also fired upon other people at the residence, including constituents who were there to receive aid. Ten people in all died from the attack, either at the scene or later due to injuries.

Without specifying any scenario, Clavano said the DOJ just responds to the “propaganda” and “fake news” circulating online.

“Kam,i nagsasalita lang naman kami dahil may lumalabas na hindi tama [We only speak when incorrect information gets around]. So, we feel that it's our obligation and mandate. To correct certain notions that have been put out on social media and media,” Clavano said.

“Ang sinasabi natin from the start na ang tamang venue, ang tamang channel at forum dito ay ang korte mismo. Kaya hindi na dapat tayo magsasalita sa social media,” he added.

(What we’re saying from the start is that the right venue, the right channel and forum is in the court. That is why we should not talk about it in social media.)

The trial started on Wednesday.

In Saleema Refran’s report on 24 Oras, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, flew to Manila to attend.

Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnie Teves, considered a suspect in the killing, remains in Timor-Leste while the extradition case against him is pending.

Teves was earlier released from house arrest but has to report to a court officer and make a commitment not to leave the country. The former lawmaker denied the accusations and sought asylum in Timor-Leste but was denied.

"Meron po tayong mga authorities, law enforcement agencies sa Timor-Leste na laging 24 hours na nakaabang sa kanya because of the flight risk that he has. Marami po siyang resources doon," Clavano said.

(We have authorities monitoring Teves 24 hours a day because of the flight risk that he has. He has a lot of resources there.)

Meanwhile, suspects Angelo and Jie Ann Palagtiw, who are siblings, filed a not guilty plea.

The court also filed a not guilty plea for alleged co-mastermind Marvin Miranda. — BM, GMA Integrated News