The slain suspect in the March 4 killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others was a former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), the Special Joint Task Force Negros said Wednesday, March 15.
The slain suspect was identified as Arnil Labradilla of Sitio Awang, Barangay Atotes in Bindoy town, Negros Oriental.
Labradilla was identified based on revelations by other suspects apprehended during the pursuit operations by military and police personnel hours after the attack, Maj. Cenon Pancito III, task force spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency.
He was killed after he allegedly resisted arrest and engaged in a shootout with pursuing troops hours after at least 10 gunmen barged into the compound of Degamo in Pamplona town and assassinated the governor.
Of the six suspects identified, Pancito said four are already in the custody of the Department of Justice, and have cooperated with authorities. The fifth suspect, who surrendered, is still undergoing investigation procedures, while the slain former rebel was brought to his hometown after his parents claimed the body.*PNA