Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday revealed adding five more respondents in the criminal complaint over the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in March.
“Some of them are look-outs, some of them are those that bought certain materials or essential tools for the assassination. Some of them bought the vehicles. Now we have a clearer picture of the whole planning stage,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday announced the inclusion of five additional respondents. He said they were identified by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
According to Clavano, the five suspects were not yet arrested, but complaints were filed against them along with alleged mastermind Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves.
The five are on top of the 11 earlier arrested, along with Teves, bringing the total number of respondents to 17.
Asked why it took so long for authorities to discover the five individuals, Clavano explained that law enforcement agencies needed to gather more evidence to make a solid case.
“As soon as these cases are filed and it goes through preliminary investigation and an information is finally filed in court then a warrant of arrest will be issued by the court,” he said.
The NBI filed the complaints against Teves and the additional respondents this week.
