Three former soldiers convicted in Roel Degamo assassination case

A Manila regional trial court has convicted three former soldiers for the illegal possession of firearms and explosives linked to the March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Joric Garrido Labrador was sentenced to eight to ten years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Co-accused Joven Calibjo Javier and Benjie Rodriguez were each sentenced to reclusion perpetua, a term ranging from 20 to 40 years, for the unlawful possession of explosives. The court ordered the seized items, including a .45 caliber pistol, ammunition, and two hand grenades, to be turned over to the Philippine National Police.

The three men, who had been discharged from the military prior to the attack, were arrested in Bayawan City shortly after the assault on Degamo’s residence in Pamplona. They, along with expelled Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., face separate charges for multiple murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder related to the killing.