By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. vowed swift justice for the families of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight individuals in an attack in Pamplona town on Saturday, March 4.

In a statement posted on his official social media page, Marcos said he condemns Degamo’s assassination in the strongest possible terms and stated that his government will not rest until the perpetrators of what he called a “dastardly and heinous crime” be brought to justice.

He warned those responsible for the killing that they can run, but they cannot hide.

“We will find you. If you surrender now, it will be your best option,” he said.

Several politicians in Negros Occidental also condemned the attack.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Degamo’s counterpart, said he earnestly hopes that justice will prevail.

“We need to put a stop to violent crimes such as this,” Lacson said.

He further stated that the people and government officials deserve to live in peace and free from fear.

Lacson also offered his prayers and sincerest sympathies to Degamo’s wife, Pamplona town Mayor Janice Degamo and family, and the families of the civilians who were killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez also gave his condolences to Degamo’s family.

He also calls for swift justice and that the perpetrators be caught to face the consequences of their actions.

Negros Occidental 3rd district Congressman Jose Francisco Benitez also conveyed his deepest sympathies and joins the call to bring to justice the individuals who committed the despicable act.

On the other hand, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla placed a bounty of P5 million on anyone who gives vital information or evidence that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and masterminds of the assassination.

Remulla has instructed the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the attack.

The Department of Justice also condemned the incident, stating the violent and senseless manner in which the perpetrators carried out their plan cannot and will not be tolerated.

“Not only did they kill their target, but they killed innocent civilians along the way. There is absolutely no room for such evil doings in this country,” it said.

On Saturday night, Negros Oriental Vice Governor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes was formally sworn in as the new governor./DGB, WDJ