Three individuals linked to the March 4, 2023 shooting of then Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo at his residence have been convicted in separate cases involving illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday, Sept. 9.
In a news release, the DOJ said the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 40, found Joric Garrido Labrador, Joven Calibjo Javier, and Benjie Rodriguez guilty after prosecutors proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
“Labrador was sentenced to 8 to 10 years of imprisonment for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, while the two other accused were each sentenced to reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years in prison) for unlawful possession of explosives,” the department said.
The cases arose from the shooting during an aid distribution at Degamo’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Degamo was killed in the incident, along with nine others, while dozens were wounded.
The DOJ said that authorities recovered a .45-caliber pistol, two magazines, 14 rounds of live ammunition, and two hand grenades from the three accused.
The court also upheld the validity of the warrantless arrests, citing the sequence of events from the shooting and the review of CCTV footage to the pursuit of the getaway vehicles.
It also found that the recovered items were properly identified and that their handling was established through the testimonies of police officers and other witnesses.
“Impunity should never triumph over justice. We shall hold accountable anyone who transgresses the rule of law,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said.*PNA
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