Filipino governor assassination: 2 ex-soldiers with disciplinary issues among 3 nabbed
They two were dishonourably discharged from military service several years back, says the Philippine Army.
NEGROS ORIENTAL: Two former soldiers who had disciplinary problems while in the service were among three suspects nabbed in connection with the assassination of a provincial governor and eight others Saturday (Mar 4, 2023), said the Philippine Army.
The Philippine Army, in a statement, expressed its deep sorrow and "strong condemnation of the violent attack that resulted in the untimely death of Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo and eight other individuals."
"According to police reports, the arrested suspects are former Army soldiers," said the Army.
"Notably, they were dishonourably discharged from the military service several years back as they did not meet the standards of discipline among our ranks.
"As a highly professional organisation, the Philippine Army does not condone the unauthorised use of uniforms, firearms or insignias by any group or individual."
"The Army strongly condemns this cowardly act of the perpetrators in order to deceive and mislead the authorities and ordinary people."
Apparently, the death toll has climbed to nine according to the Philippine Army’s statement, up from six killed on the scene as initially reported.
The Philippine National Police and Philippine Army arrested the three suspects during a hot pursuit operation in Bayawan City, GMA News Online reported.
Police identified the suspects as:
50-year-old former Army soldier Joric Labrador, a resident of Cagayan de Oro City;
42-year-old former Army Ranger Joven Aber, a resident of La Castellana, Negros Occidental; and
45-year-old Benjie Rodriguez, a resident of Mindanao.
The suspects were arrested in Sitio Punong, Cansumalig village, at 4:20pm.
According to the news site, citing investigators, there were six shooters wearing pixelised uniforms and carrying long rifles.
They killed Degamo and five others at the scene while the governor was distributing aid at his residence in Pamplona.
The suspects used three getaway vehicles, a Mitsubishi Pajero with plate number NQZ 735, an Isuzu pickup with plate number GRY 162, and a Mitsubishi Montero with plate number YAP 163.
The vehicles were found abandoned in Cansumalig village, GMA reported.