6 more suspects in Degamo slay indicted for murder – DOJ

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday recommended the filing of murder charges against six other suspects in the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a media briefing that prosecutors recommended the filing of nine counts of murder against the six people for the killing of Degamo, Jessie Boy-ay, Jose Marie Ramirez, Jomar Canseco, Crispin Vallega, Jerome Maquiling, Florence Quinikito, Joseph Renada, and Michael Fabugais.

They will also be charged with 13 counts of frustrated murder and three counts of attempted murder, he said.

“The cases will be tried jointly with the previous cases for murder filed by the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Negros Oriental against the four previous respondents who were caught and subjected to inquest proceedings recently,” Clavano added.

One of the six indicted surrendered to authorities on March 18 while the five surrendered three days after.

“The NBI-NCR, acting as complainants, states that these individuals voluntarily surrendered to the joint task force Degamo,” Clavano said.

Details of the affidavits, statements, and other evidence, however, will be kept confidential because of the investigation.

On Monday, Justice Secretary Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla said 11 suspects are under the custody of authorities.

READ: Remulla: Major player in Degamo slay also involved in two failed assassinations vs. governor

Reacting to Remulla’s statement tagging Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves as one of the masterminds, Clavano said they are looking at the evidence on hand.

“This is purely political. When you say this is purely political, ‘yung political rival and a known rival of Degamo is the Teves family,” he said. “We will only go where the evident takes us.”

READ: SOJ: Rep. Teves among the suspected masterminds behind Degamo assassination