Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Tuesday, March 14, went to Siaton, Negros Oriental to visit the wake of slain Gov. Roel Degamo, one of her political allies.

Duterte visited Degamo’s hometown where his wake is being held after it was transferred from his residence in Dumaguete City.

In a Facebook post, Duterte said she condoled with Degamo’s widow Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, their family, and the people of Negros Oriental.

“Ang pagpanaw ni Governor Degamo ay isang trahedya sa lalawigan ng Negros Oriental, at nakikiramay ako sa kanyang naulilang asawa, Mayor Janice Degamo, pamilya, mga kaibigan, at mga residente ng lalawigan (The passing of Governor Degamo is a tragedy to the province of Negros Oriental, and I condole with his bereaved wife, Mayor Janice Degamo, family, friends, and residents of the province),” she said.

The Vice President shared photos of her visit at the wake of Degamo, whom she called a “dear friend.”

Dutere also expressed sympathy and condolences for the tragic death of eight other victims.

The governor was in his home in Pamplona, Negros Oriental attending an aid event for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and meeting with his constituents when armed men—among them former soldiers—killed him last week.

He was the second incumbent government official killed under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Five other former local officials have been killed since he assumed office in June last year.

Duterte earlier condemned the killing of Degamo, saying the authorities should “bring the perpetrators to justice and pay for their crime.”

“Authorities must start looking at the political feud that has gripped Negros Oriental and has taken so many lives, not just of Gov. Degamo,” she earlier said.