STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF
NEGROS ORIENTAL GOVERNOR ROEL DEGAMO
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines strongly condemns the attack and killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on Saturday morning, 4 March, in Barangay 9, Pamplona town, Negros Oriental. The governor was attending an aid event for 4Ps beneficiaries when assailants in full battle gear and pixelized uniform opened fire at him and other civilians several times.
These brutalities and senseless attacks mark a worrying escalation of violence that no cause can ever justify. The deplorable and cowardly acts targeting local officials is an affront to our democracy and rule of law and must stop immediately. We call for all perpetrators to be held accountable the soonest possible time.
We are one with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) in utilizing all legal means available in its pursuit to bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to swift justice. ULAP will work closely as partner of DILG and PNP in bringing these atrocities to an end as it continues to actively pursue efforts against criminality and lawlessness to keep the public safe and secure following this spate of attacks against our officials.
Governor Roel Degamo was a well-loved friend and colleague not just in the Negros Oriental but also in the ULAP member leagues. We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Governor Degamo and to the families of the other victims of this attack.
END OF STATEMENT
