Authorities have recovered the firearms allegedly used by the gunmen who killed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in a brazen attack on Saturday.
A joint team of operatives from the 11th Army Infantry Battalion and PNP S.W.A.T. found the items around 1:30 a.m. Sunday (March 5, 2023) in Barangay Cansumalig, Bayawan City.
The items include five assault rifles; one B40 (RPG) with five ammunition; four bandoliers fully loaded with plates; one rifle case; two combat uniforms; one grey sweatshirt; and three pairs of combat boots.
Degamo was shot by at least six men armed with assault rifles while distributing aid at his residence in Barangay 9, Pamplona town. Five villagers also died in the incident.
Several others were wounded and brought to a hospital.
The motive for the attack is still under investigation. The province has a history of violent political rivalries.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has sworn in Negros Oriental Vice Governor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes as the new governor of the province.