Abalos to remaining suspects in Degamo slay: Surrender to the police

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12) – As the investigation into the brazen shooting that killed Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo continues, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has urged the suspects who are still at large to surrender to the police.

“Kilala mo ang sarili mo na ikaw ang pumatay. Kung ako sa’yo sumuko ka na at umamin ka na. ‘Yung mga kasama niyo nagsalita na. ‘Yung nag-order sa inyo malamang baka kayo pa ang ipapatay niyan,” Abalos said in an ambush interview on Sunday.

[Translation: You know yourself that you are the killer. If I were you, give up and confess. Your associates have already talked. The one who ordered the killing will probably be the one to kill you.]

“It’s better for you na mag-isip at sumurender na kayo sa amin. Pumunta kayo sa akin para matapos na ito at ang hustisya makamit na,” he added.

[Translation: It's better for you to think and surrender to us. Come to me so that this will be over and justice will be served.]

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said at least five other assailants in Degamo slay are still hiding in Negros Oriental.

Abalos said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is closely coordinating with the police and military to hunt down criminal gangs nationwide.

He also said they plan to conduct a “tough campaign” against illegal firearms.

READ: Heightened security in Negros Oriental, nearby areas as manhunt for Degamo slay suspect continues

On March 7, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the four people arrested in the killing of Degamo are facing murder and frustrated murder charges.

The suspects are now detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, the PNP added.

Degamo was gunned down inside his residential compound in Brgy. San Isidro in Pamplona town, Negros Oriental on March 4. Eight others were killed.

The PNP said Degamo was in the middle of a meeting with some of his constituents when around 10 armed men entered his compound and opened fire.

The shooters were later identified as former members of the military.