JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said that six suspects implicated in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo expressed their willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) still needs to evaluate the statements and level of involvement in the killing to determine the eligibility as state witnesses.
Accordig to Remulla, it is challenging to determine if the suspects will be placed under the Witness Protection Program as the DOJ is still gathering the full story.
He assured that the government will protect the families of the suspects, who are crucial in the ongoing case.
The six suspects identified as Rogelio C Antipolo Jr. alias “Jun Jun,” Rommel A. Pattaguan, Winrich B. Isturis alias “Gwen,” John Louie L. Gonyon alias “JL,” Dahniel P. Lora alias “Buboy,” and Eulogio L. Gonyon Jr. alias “Master Black” were brought for inquest by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the suspects had direct involvement in the March 4 incident and have provided testimonies voluntarily that will aid the investigating task force in building a strong case against the culprits, intermediaries, and the mastermind.
Remulla recently revealed that the majority of the “attack team” responsible for the killing of Degamo and eight civilians are now in government custody.
About the Author
