EDITORIAL - A year on and still no justice

An anniversary passed almost totally forgotten a few days ago; a year since the brazen murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Anyone who is following this story knows what happened. Degamo was meeting with some program beneficiaries in his house in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, on the morning of March 4, 2023 when several armed men let themselves into the compound, not looking out of place among the governor’s usual visitors.

All of a sudden they opened fire, killing Degamo and 10 others before escaping.

We can say that it was one of the most shocking high-profile killings in recent Philippine history. No one thought twice about taking out the highest official of a province. In his own house. In broad daylight. Aware that there would be cameras all around.

Arrests have been made in connection with the incident, but it seems the prosecution will have their work cut out for them because those who initially confessed to the killing have retracted their statements.

And the mastermind? Authorities alleged the killing was carried out by Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnulfo Teves. We cannot say he is guilty because that is up to the court to decide. However, his day in court may yet be a long time to come because Teves is currently out of the country, exact whereabouts unknown, saying he won’t come back unless the threat to his own life is gone.

A year on it seems nothing has changed. A year on and still no justice.

Justice moves slowly in this country, except for the rich, influential, and well-connected. But even they can experience delays --or perhaps even denials-- if the perpetrators of crimes against them happen to be richer, more influential, and more well-connected than they are.

Is it any wonder why many people have no faith in the justice system at all and would rather take justice into their own hands?

This is a call for the authorities to resolve this case as soon as possible. Like we said earlier, if this doesn’t go solved it will only embolden those who seek to commit similar crimes against our higher officials.