Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ex-soldiers convicted in Degamo case for illegal firearms, explosives
A Manila court has found three former Army soldiers linked to the killing of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo guilty of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The convictions mark a significant development in the high-profile case.
LSN Philippines ·
Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 40 convicted the three former military personnel on August 18, with the court finding them guilty of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The defendants, including Joric Labrador, had been previously linked to the slaying of Degamo, a prominent provincial governor.
The convictions relate specifically to charges of illegal possession of weapons and explosives rather than the homicide itself. The August 18 decision represents progress in prosecuting those allegedly connected to the 2022 killing that shocked the Negros Oriental province.
Degamo, who served as governor of Negros Oriental, was killed in a brazen attack that drew national attention and raised concerns about security and the rule of law in the region. The involvement of former military personnel in the case has added complexity to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.