Thousands pay last respect to Degamo in Negros Oriental
Published Mar 16, 2023 10:58 am
BACOLOD CITY – Thousands of residents from various parts of Negros Oriental paid their last respect to their slain leader, Governor Roel Degamo, during his burial in Bonawon, Siaton town on Thursday, March 16.
MAYOR Janice Degamo, wife of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, cries for justice during his funeral in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Thursday, March 16. Gov. Degamo and five other people were shot dead by unknown gunmen, his widow said, in the latest attack against local officials. (AFP)
Supporters and the family of the slain governor are seeking justice for his death and of the eight civilians, who were also killed in a gun attack at Degamo’s residence in Pamplona town on March 4. Degamo’s supporters went emotional while shouting “Justice” as his remains were being moved out of his residence in Bonawon, Siaton town, for a requiem mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish. Degamo’s wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, in her message, reiterated her call for justice to the victims of the gun attack. She urged the people not to lose their hope for justice to be served and for peace to reign in the province. She thanked those who mourned with them since Day 1. Meanwhile, Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes, in his homily, said that “we pray that the cycle of violence and unsolved killings in Negros Oriental will end.” “Something good for the province came out of the late governor’s death,” said Cortes, adding that the governor’s death has signaled the province to unite in fighting the culture of violence and impunity. According to the Joint Task Force Negros (JTFN), six out of the 10 suspects have been arrested, while pursuit operation is ongoing for the arrest of four remaining suspects. The arrested suspects and 12 “John Does” have been criminally charged. Degamo was laid to rest beside his parents and sister at their residence in Siaton town. He was given a 21-gun salute, and white balloons were then released by the mourners. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., declared Thursday, March 16, 2023, as a special (non-working) day in the province to give the people a time to show their last respect to Degamo.
MAYOR Janice Degamo, wife of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, cries for justice during his funeral in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Thursday, March 16. Gov. Degamo and five other people were shot dead by unknown gunmen, his widow said, in the latest attack against local officials. (AFP)
Supporters and the family of the slain governor are seeking justice for his death and of the eight civilians, who were also killed in a gun attack at Degamo’s residence in Pamplona town on March 4. Degamo’s supporters went emotional while shouting “Justice” as his remains were being moved out of his residence in Bonawon, Siaton town, for a requiem mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish. Degamo’s wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, in her message, reiterated her call for justice to the victims of the gun attack. She urged the people not to lose their hope for justice to be served and for peace to reign in the province. She thanked those who mourned with them since Day 1. Meanwhile, Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes, in his homily, said that “we pray that the cycle of violence and unsolved killings in Negros Oriental will end.” “Something good for the province came out of the late governor’s death,” said Cortes, adding that the governor’s death has signaled the province to unite in fighting the culture of violence and impunity. According to the Joint Task Force Negros (JTFN), six out of the 10 suspects have been arrested, while pursuit operation is ongoing for the arrest of four remaining suspects. The arrested suspects and 12 “John Does” have been criminally charged. Degamo was laid to rest beside his parents and sister at their residence in Siaton town. He was given a 21-gun salute, and white balloons were then released by the mourners. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., declared Thursday, March 16, 2023, as a special (non-working) day in the province to give the people a time to show their last respect to Degamo.