Congressmen from Visayas showed admirable solidarity Saturday, March 4 when they issued common messages of condemnation against the shocking assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo .

Slamming the killing and subsequently offering messages of support to the bereaved were House Deputy Majority Leader, Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne "Jam" Baronda; Negros Oriental 1st district Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong, and Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.

"I strongly condemn the brazen slaying of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, who is a good friend since the days I worked for the office of Sen. JV Ejercito," Baronda said in a statement sent to House reporters.

"The Philippine National Police (PNP) must leave no stone unturned in making the perpetrators face the full force of the law for the crime that also claimed 5 other lives," she said.

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of Negros Oriental, whom Gov. Degamo served well, and Mayor Janice Degamo and their family," she added.

In a Facebook post Limkaichong offered her "deepest sympathies and prayers to Gov. Roel Degamo's family and to all the families who have lost loved ones in the shooting incident today".

"The people of Negros Oriental deserve to live in an environment of peace and order, where our children can safely grow and thrive. This is not who we are. We must stand in solidarity in the fight against violence and impunity," she said.

Meanwhile, another Visayan in Benitez sent a similar message of sympathy to Negros Oriental folk in a separate statement.

"On behalf of the people of the third district of Negros Occidental, my family and I convey our deepest sympathies to Mayor Janice and their loved ones, and pray for their strength through these difficult times," he said.

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. Violence has no place in the Negros Island," Benitez said, adding that he "prays for peace in the Negros Island".