Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 5) — Ex-army reservist Marvin Miranda will formally be named as co-accused in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo after other suspects claimed that he played an “indispensable part” in the assassination, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday.
The DOJ said state prosecutors found that Miranda conspired in the crime that killed nine people, including Degamo, and wounded 17 others on March 4 in Pamplona town.
“In effect, the state prosecutors would be amending the informations previously filed in court to include Miranda as one of the accused,” the department said in a statement.
The DOJ said charges were recommended for Miranda and six others in relation to the massacre.
These cases are for nine counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder for the victims with fatal injuries, and four counts of attempted murder for those with non-fatal injuries.
The DOJ said these will be tried jointly with previous cases filed by the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Negros Oriental against other accused people.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier tagged Miranda as one of the masterminds in the killing of Degamo, along with Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. whom the DOJ chief said appears to be the orchestrator.
READ: Remulla: Rep. Teves appears to be ‘main mastermind’ behind Degamo killing
Remulla said Teves funded the planning and the firearms used for the murder, while Miranda — tagged as the lawmaker’s former bagman — recruited the gunmen.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also earlier told reporters that 11 suspects under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation said Miranda received instructions from someone known to them as “boss idol,” “big boss,” and “kalbo [bald].”
Upon clarification from reporters, Remulla said Teves was the person who instructed Miranda.
The ex-army reservist was arrested on March 27 in Antique where authorities said he was in “hiding,” and was presented for inquest proceedings before state prosecutors on April 3, the DOJ said.
Meanwhile, Teves remains abroad after leaving for the United States on Feb. 28, citing the need for medical treatment. His travel authority from the House of Representatives had lapsed.
“The case is 99% finished,” the DOJ quoted Remulla as saying after Miranda’s arrest. “I can tell you that it is only a matter of time before we can put this to bed.”
RELATED: Remulla on Degamo assassination: ‘Case closed’
