Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental police replaced after Degamo slay — PNP

Police personnel from the Sta. Catalina Police in Negros Oriental have been replaced amid the investigation into the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and eight others, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

“Kahapon nga po yung 56 personnel po ng Sta. Catalina ay nasa Provincial Police Office pagkatapos nauna po yung 76 PNP personnel coming from the Bayawan City Police Station,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said at a televised public briefing.

(Yesterday, 56 personnel of Sta. Catalina Police were transferred to the Provincial Police Office following the transfer earlier of 76 PNP personnel from the Bayawan City Police Station.)

On Tuesday, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos ordered the replacement of all police personnel in Negros Oriental following the assassination of Degamo last weekend.

Initially, Bayawan City Police personnel were replaced.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Amamaguid from Cebu is now the chief of Bayawan City Police, replacing Police Lieutenant Colonel Rex Aboy Moslares.

According to Fajardo, it is being investigated if the police had a failure in securing Degamo.

“Kasama nga po sa ginagawang investigation kung nagkaroon nga po ba ng failure in terms of providing the necessary security coverage kay Governor Degamo,” she said.

(Part of the investigation is on the possible failure in terms of providing security coverage for Governor Degamo.)

Degamo and five others were killed while 13 others were injured in the March 4 attack conducted while the governor was distributing aid to his constituents at his residence in Pamplona town. The death toll increased to nine on Sunday.

Murder and frustrated murder charges have been filed against four suspects identified as Joric Garido Labrador, Joven Calibjo Javier, Benjie Rodriguez, Osmundo Rojas Rivero, and 12 John Does before the Tanjay City Regional Trial Court.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives were also filed against three individuals before the Bayawan City Regional Trial Court. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News