Push Admin

DOJ says 2 of 3 suspects in Degamo killing may land in witness protection program

Article (news)

Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. Photo from Degamo" s="" Facebook="" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2023/life/03/05/20230304-degamo-roel-2.jpg"/><figcaption>Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. <em>Photo from Degamo&#x27;s Facebook page</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said two of the three suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo might be included in the witness protection program (WPP) of the government following inquest proceedings against them. </p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/04/23/negros-oriental-gov-degamo-killed-in-armed-attack">Negros Oriental Gov. Degamo killed in armed attack at home</a></li></ul><p>DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Ty and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos revealed in a press conference that suspects Joven Javier, Benjie Rodriguez and Joric Labrador underwent inquest proceedings in Bayawan City for the illegal possession of firearms cases and in Dumaguete City for the multiple murder cases. </p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/06/23/charges-filed-vs-alleged-degamo-slay-gunmen">Charges filed vs. suspects in Degamo slay: police</a></li></ul><p>“In line with our efforts to prevent further injustice to the innocent victims and their families and for their protection, 2 witness to the case have already been referred to the witness protection program,” Ty said. </p><p>DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano further said that two of the three suspects were the ones who might be referred to the witness protection program. </p><p>&quot;Kailangan po muna nating i-evaluate yung mga statements nila para ma-assess at if ever ma-determine na talagang may saysay or may basis yung mga statements nila, pwede natin sila ipasok sa WPP ng DOJ,” Clavano said. </p><p>(We need to evaluate their statements and assess to determine if they have enough basis. If there is, we can admit them to the WPP.)</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=2490646" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more News on <a href="https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/browse/Genres/News/tag_id_genres/id_news" target="_blank">iWantTFC</a></div><p>Abalos said that all angles were being considered in the investigation, as he refused to comment when pressed if political angle was still included. </p><p>“Lahat ng anggulo ay tinitingnan,” Abalos said. </p><p>(We are looking at all angles.)</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/06/23/senate-probe-on-string-of-political-killings-sought">Senate probe on &#x27;series of political killings&#x27; sought</a></li></ul><p>Abalos added authorities were bent on finding out who masterminded the killing of Degamo. </p><p>“Ang pinakaimportante rito sa lahat ay ating talagang mahuli ang may utak dito, ang mastermind dito, di kami titigil hanggang makamit ang hustisya para sa mga biktima,” Abalos said.</p><p>(The most important thing here is we catch the mastermind. We won&#x27;t stop until justice is given to the victim.)</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=2489125" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more News on <a href="https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/browse/Genres/News/tag_id_genres/id_news" target="_blank">iWantTFC</a></div>

The DOJ said two of the three suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo might be included in the witness protection program. 

DOJ says 2 of 3 suspects in Degamo killing may land in witness protection program

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

News

DOJ says 2 of 3 suspects in Degamo killing may land in witness protection program

Adrian Ayalin,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 06, 2023 02:33 PM PHT

Read More:

Roel Degamo

killing

DOJ

Department of Justice

Negros Oriental

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.