Bishop seeks resolution of Negros Oriental Gov. Degamo case

ONE YEAR AFTER

Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes appealed for the full resolution of the case on the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and others in the so-called Pamplona massacre.

“It has been a year since the gruesome massacre which took place in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that killed our former governor Roel Degamo and nine others. Where are we now in the pursuit of justice and peace for our beloved province?” said Cortes in a statement.

Degamo and nine others were killed, while several others were injured, after an attack on the late governor’s home in Negros Oriental on March 4, 2023.

Last August 2023, the Department of Justice announced that murder charges have been filed against former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. over the killing of Degamo and the others.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty before a court in Manila last November 2023.

Their lawyers confirmed to GMA News Online that Rogelio Antipolo Jr., Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Joric Labrador, Joven Javier, Benjie Rodriguez, Osmundo Rivero, and Nigel Electona pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.

“Today, as we offer prayers for the eternal rest of the souls of those who perished through that evil act on March 4, 2023, in Pamplona, let us also pray for strength of their bereaved families, for the healing of other victims, and for the conversion of hearts of the perpetrators and their masterminds,” Cortes said.

“Let us renew our support for and appeal to local and national government authorities to continue working for the full resolution of this case, that truth, justice, and genuine peace may reign again this year (2024) in Negros Oriental,” he added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News