BACOLOD CITY – Hundreds of people marked the first death anniversary of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo on Monday, March 4.
A Mass was offered to Degamo and the nine civilians who were killed in an attack at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental last year.
A motorcade joined by survivors, victims, supporters, local officials, and political leaders was held from Pamplona to Barangay Bonawon, Siaton, Negros Oriental.

PAMPLONA, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo speaks during a memorial service on the first death anniversary of her husband, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, in Barangay Bonawon, Siaton, Negros Oriental on Monday, March 4. (Mayor Janice Degamo Facebook)
Degamo’s wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, in her speech during the memorial service, reiterated her call for justice for the death of her husband and the nine other victims in the Pamplona massacre.
She said that she has met challenges in accepting the death of her husband but she noted the importance of moving forward. “Our prayers have always been for justice to be given to Roel, and those who have been slain,” she said.
Most Rev. Julito Cortes, bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete, in a statement, said that it has been a year since the gruesome massacre and it may appear that the local situation is back to normal.
“But, where are we now in our pursuit of justice and peace for our beloved province? How can we really claim normalcy if some of our people continue to cry for true justice, are troubled by fear, division, and confusion?” he asked.
Cortes said that some of the suspects may have been arrested, cases may have been filed, and several decisions have been made. “But the resolution is not yet in sight. And what have been done so far are not enough to quench our thirst for lasting peace,” he added.
“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 in Negros Oriental,” Cortes said.
He offered prayers for strength of the bereaved families, for the healing of other victims, and for the conversion of hearts of the perpetrators and their masterminds.