Manila Court Convicts Three in Firearms, Explosives Cases Linked to Degamo Killing

In an ANC 24/7 report, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a significant breakthrough this week in the pursuit of justice for the brutal killing of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. A Manila court has convicted three men on firearms and explosives charges directly linked to the March 2023 attack that shocked the nation. These verdicts mark the first judicial convictions of any suspect in what has become known as the Pamplona massacre.

Manila Court Convicts Three in Firearms, Explosives Cases Linked to Degamo Killing, Marking First Verdicts in Pamplona Massacre

Manila, Philippines — The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 40 has convicted three individuals in connection with the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, handing down sentences ranging from eight years to reclusion perpetua. The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the rulings this week, describing them as a crucial step in the long and arduous journey toward accountability for one of the most violent political killings in recent Philippine history.

Details of the Convictions and Sentences

The court found Joric Garrido Labrador guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition under Section 28 of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Labrador was sentenced to a prison term of eight to ten years. In a separate ruling, the same court convicted Joven Calibjo Javier and Benjie Rodriguez, each on one count of unlawful possession of explosives under Section 3 of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 9516. Both Javier and Rodriguez were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, the maximum prison penalty under Philippine law, which carries an imprisonment of up to 40 years.

The DOJ said the three accused were arrested by police and military personnel in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, just hours after the attack on March 4, 2023. Authorities recovered from the three men a .45-caliber pistol, two magazines, 14 rounds of live ammunition, and two hand grenades. The court upheld the validity of the warrantless arrests, ruling that the circumstances formed a continuous sequence of events from the shooting, the review of CCTV footage, and the tracking of the vehicles used by the suspects.

Court Upholds Evidence and Arrest Validity

In its ruling, the Manila RTC Branch 40 affirmed that the items recovered from the accused were properly identified and that their chain of custody was established through the testimonies of police officers and other witnesses. The court’s decision to uphold the warrantless arrests is significant, as it removes a potential legal challenge that could have weakened the prosecution’s case. The ruling emphasized that the arrests were part of a continuous pursuit of the suspects, a legal principle that allows warrantless arrests when there is probable cause that a person has just committed an offense.

The convictions are the first judicial verdicts against any suspect in the Pamplona massacre, specifically on the firearms and explosives charges. The graver cases of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder stemming from the same attack remain pending and are being tried in Manila courts. The DOJ has expressed confidence that these initial convictions will bolster the prosecution’s position in the more serious cases still under litigation.

The Pamplona Massacre: A Day of Horror

On March 4, 2023, armed men opened fire at the residence of Governor Roel Degamo in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, while he was distributing aid to constituents. The attack resulted in the deaths of Degamo and nine other individuals, with dozens more wounded. It was a brazen act of violence that occurred in broad daylight, sending shockwaves across the country and drawing condemnation from national leaders and international human rights groups. The massacre is considered one of the most violent political killings in the Philippines since the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, which claimed 58 lives.

The incident highlighted the persistent threat of political violence in the Philippines, particularly in provinces where political rivalries run deep. Negros Oriental, a province known for its agricultural wealth and political dynasties, has a history of election-related violence, but the killing of a sitting governor while he was performing public service was unprecedented in its audacity. The attack also raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting public officials, especially those in conflict-prone areas.

Rep. Janice Degamo: A Widow’s Pursuit of Justice

Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Janice Degamo, the widow of the slain governor, announced the convictions on the evening of Thursday, September 3, via her official Facebook page. In her statement, she said, "justice does not forget... Every conviction is a step forward." She also reflected on the personal toll of the tragedy, stating, "Roel was taken from us in an act of violence that also claimed the lives of many Negrenses and left many more wounded, grieving and traumatized."

Rep. Degamo acknowledged that no court decision could bring her husband back or erase the suffering of the victims' families. However, she said the convictions reaffirmed that justice continues despite the passage of time. Her statement resonated with many Filipinos who have followed the case closely, as it underscored the importance of perseverance in the face of immense personal loss. The widow has been a vocal advocate for justice since the attack, repeatedly calling on the government to ensure that all those responsible, including the alleged mastermind, are held accountable.

Procedural Hurdles and the Road to Trial

The path to these convictions was not without obstacles. In February 2025, the Court of Appeals denied a petition filed by Labrador and Rodriguez seeking to quash the criminal informations and suppress evidence. That decision removed a major procedural hurdle that could have delayed the trial further. The appellate court’s ruling allowed the prosecution to proceed with presenting its evidence, ultimately leading to the convictions this week.

The case also involved the discovery of a weapons cache in Barangay Cansumalig, Bayawan City, located about 500 meters from where the gunmen abandoned three getaway vehicles. Recovered items included assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, handguns, ammunition, and body armor. This discovery underscored the level of firepower used in the attack and the premeditation involved in its planning. The arsenal found was consistent with a well-organized operation, further highlighting the need for a thorough and exhaustive investigation.

The Alleged Mastermind: Arnie Teves Jr.

While these convictions are a significant milestone, the case is far from over. Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. has been accused by prosecutors as the alleged mastermind of the Degamo killing. Teves has consistently denied any involvement in the attack. He remains detained at an NBI facility inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, facing murder and other charges related to the Pamplona massacre. His recent acquittal in an unrelated 2019 Dumaguete City murder case has no effect on the Degamo case, the DOJ has clarified.

The DOJ’s clarification was necessary to prevent any confusion in the public mind following Teves’ acquittal in the separate case. The former congressman’s legal troubles have been extensive, but the Degamo case remains the most serious. His trial on the murder charges stemming from the Pamplona attack is ongoing, and the DOJ has stressed that this week’s convictions of the three gunmen are separate from the cases still pending against the alleged mastermind.

Why This Matters for the Philippines

These convictions carry profound implications for the Philippine justice system. They demonstrate that even in cases involving powerful political figures and complex conspiracies, the courts can deliver verdicts based on evidence. For many Filipinos, the Degamo case has become a test of the government’s commitment to ending political violence and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status or connections. The fact that the convictions were secured in Manila, away from the local pressures of Negros Oriental, also speaks to the importance of ensuring impartial venues for high-profile cases.

The case also serves as a reminder of the human cost of political violence. The families of the nine other victims who died alongside Governor Degamo continue to grieve, and the dozens who were wounded carry physical and psychological scars. For the people of Negros Oriental, the massacre was not just an attack on a public official but an assault on their community’s sense of security and normalcy. The convictions, while not a complete remedy, offer a measure of validation that the state recognizes the gravity of their loss.

What to Watch For

As the legal proceedings continue, attention will now shift to the murder cases pending against the three convicted individuals and the other suspects, including Arnie Teves Jr. The DOJ has indicated that it will pursue these cases with the same vigor that led to the firearms and explosives convictions. Observers will also be watching for any appeals from the convicted trio, who may seek to challenge their sentences before higher courts. For Rep. Janice Degamo and the families of the victims, the fight for full justice is far from over, but this week’s rulings provide a glimmer of hope that the legal system can still work for the common Filipino.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on sources cited in the article.