By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Special Joint Task Force-Negros (SJTF-Negros) believes the mastermind in Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo’s assassination is also a former Philippine Army member.

SJTF-Negros spokesperson, Police Major Cenon Pancito III said the attack on Degamo was well-funded and has its own support system.

Although several high-profile names have already been floated by the four arrested suspects under the witness protection program by the Department of Justice, Pancito said they are still gathering further evidence to identify the mastermind.

Evidence further suggests that other suspects who are being hunted down are also former military personnel.

Pancito believes there are around four suspects remaining.

They could give further evidence against the mastermind, he added.

Meanwhile, Pancito said they acknowledge that some Negros Oriental residents may have already expressed worry over the number of checkpoints setup in key areas in the province.

He assured the public that they had nothing to worry about and he asked for their cooperation amid the imposed security measures.

He pointed out that the deployment of additional troops in Negros Oriental shows the seriousness of the national government to resolve the violence and to bring lawless elements to justice.

On Sunday, March 12, around 300 Philippine Army soldiers were assigned to the SJTF-Negros to secure Negros Island, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The soldiers included the elite Light Reaction Company of the Army. They specialize in counter-terrorism operations.

Some of them were from the 11th, 15th, 62nd, 79th, and 94th Infantry Battalions (IB), and an additional deployment is set for soon.

They have been deployed to 21 areas in Negros Oriental to conduct joint security checkpoints with the Philippine National Police, to hunt down the remaining four to five suspects in the assassination of Degamo.

The joint task force came when there was a reported drop in the province’s tourism industry after the attack, 11th IB commanding officer, Lt. Colonel Roderick Salayo said.

He also believed the remaining suspects are still in the province.

“The manhunt will continue until the mastermind is arrested. We will also endeavor to win the trust and confidence of the people while working to stabilize peace and order in the province,” Salayo said./DGB, WDJ