WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Negros Oriental mourns its former governor on Thursday, March 16, as he is laid to rest in his hometown of Siaton. Malacañang has declared a special nonworking holiday in the province.
Roel Degamo was gunned down on March 4 outside his family’s compound, and was pronounced dead at around 11:41 am on the same day. The suspects behind his killing – said to be former military members – are now facing charges.
Rappler sent a team of journalists to Negros Oriental to cover Degamo’s burial on Thursday.
Here are the live updates.
LATEST UPDATES
IN PHOTOS: Hundreds pay last respects to Degamo
Hundreds pay their last respects to slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo during his burial in Siaton town on Thursday, March 16. 📸: Francis Pabiana/Rappler https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8 pic.twitter.com/nvZGbXwIGn
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
WATCH: Degamo supporters raise fists, call for justice for slain governor
Cries for justice fill the air and supporters of slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo raised clenched fists as a hearse takes his coffin to a Requiem Mass on Thursday, March 16.
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
Live updates: https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8 pic.twitter.com/wWHEp3jfsr
More photos of Degamo supporters mourning the governor’s passing
Thousands gather at the St. Vincent Parish Church in Siaton town, Negros Oriental, to attend the requiem Mass for slain governor Roel Degamo on Thursday afternoon, March 16. Degamo is set to be interred on the same day. 📷 Francis Ryan Pabiana/Rappler https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8 pic.twitter.com/90JoU9rhfN
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes leads Mass for slain Degamo
Cortes says in death, Degamo has galvanized residents of the province to come together to fight the culture of impunity. "This is something good for the province that has come out of the late governor's death."
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
UPDATES: https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8
Bishop Cortes also reminds Negros Oriental folk to be more discerning and learn to distinguish the truth and filter the flood of messages coming from social media, as a means to preserve peace. "May your word, Lord, be a lantern to guide our steps." https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
Mourners attend requiem mass for Degamo
Mourners pack the St. Vincent Parish Church in Bonawon, Siaton town, as the requiem Mass for slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo starts on Thursday afternoon, March 16. 📷 Rappler
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
UPDATES: https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8 pic.twitter.com/2NPSrejA9B
Thousands gather at the St. Vincent Parish Church in Siaton town, Negros Oriental, to attend the requiem Mass for slain governor Roel Degamo on Thursday afternoon, March 16. Degamo is set to be interred on the same day. 📷 Francis Ryan Pabiana/Rappler https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8 pic.twitter.com/90JoU9rhfN
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
Degamo supporters turn emotional as they pay last respects for the slain governor
Cries for justice from supporters of slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo fill the air as a hearse takes his coffin from the family compound to the St. Vincent Parish in Barangay Bonawon, Siaton town, for a 2 pm requiem Mass. 📷 Rappler
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) March 16, 2023
UPDATES: https://t.co/KDcxHbrhs8 pic.twitter.com/1HqmRMYrFm