Authorities seize high-powered firearms allegedly used in killing Degamo, others

This photo from the Philippine Army shows a personnel checking the confiscated high-powered firearms and ammunition following a joint operation of the 11th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police in Barangay Cansumalig, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental on the early Sunday morning (March 5, 2023).

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have confiscated seven high-powered firearms allegedly used in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others, the Philippine Army said Monday.

According to the Army, seven assault rifles (5.56mm); 2B40 (RPG) with five pieces of ammunition; four long magazines; two short magazines; one .45 cal magazine; six bandoliers fully loaded with plates; one rifle case, and other personal materials were seized during a joint military and police operation.

“Said firearms and equipment were used by the suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo and several others,” the Army said in a statement.

Degamo and eight provincial staff and constituents were killed while 16 others, including three provincial officials, were wounded in a gun attack inside the governor’s residence in Pamplona town on Saturday, March 4.

READ: Negros Oriental governor shot dead inside his house

Hours after the assault, joint forces of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army arrested five suspects as they immediately launched pursuit operations.

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KGA