MANILA, Philippines — The Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee on Monday started its investigation in aid of legislation into the brazen assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and other political killings in the country.
An inquiry brief from the upper chamber said the panel’s probe, which was prompted by Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ Senate Resolution No. 518, “will attempt to get to the bottom of the increasing culture of violence in the Philippines and recommend policies to address the same.”
READ: Probe into spate of political killings sought in Senate
The investigation will cover the following:
- Rundown of the country’s history of political assassinations and violence, resolutions of the cases, and justice exacted for the political victims and their families
- Underlying factors, drivers, and enablers of the assassinations/killings, particularly the failure and inaction of relevant institutions, especially the concerned law enforcement agencies
- Political hotspots, data on private armies, gun-for-hire syndicates that are involved in political assassinations
- Impact of political assassinations that undermine democratic processes
- Importance of electoral processes as a viable tool for promoting a productive and peaceful political environment instead of further instigating violence
- Ways on how to stop political violence in the country
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who chairs the committee, said suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is confirmed to attend albeit virtually.
READ: Dela Rosa: Teves to attend Senate probe on Degamo killing virtually
Teves is being linked to to the killing of Degamo and eight others last March 4.
He is also being accused by the police of ordering a series of murders in Negros Oriental from March to June 2019.
READ: One more mastermind in Degamo slay hunted
The beleaguered lawmaker’s authority to travel to the United States lapsed on March 9 but according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Teves may already be in Cambodia.
READ: DOJ: Deportation ‘most logical process’ to bring Teves home
Aside from Teves, his brother, former Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry Teves, and the relatives of the eight persons killed in the attack, including Degamo’s widow, Mayor Janice Degamo, are also expected to attend the hearing.