Photo credit: Boying Remulla

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was a result of a conspiracy involving three to four people. According to Remulla, the mastermind behind the killing is still unknown, but their team is currently studying the case to identify and apprehend those involved.

"Conspiracy yan, pero may mastermind yan ang tingin namin mga hanggang tatlo. Hanggang tatlo o apat yan nagkaisa na magplano at kumuha nalang sila ng ibang tao para sumapi, at yan po yung aming pinag-aaralan ngayon," said Justice Sec. Remulla.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Army announced its proactive measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of former service members. The Army is currently bolstering its values formation and character development programs to instill strong core values in soldiers that they can carry into civilian life. The Army is also considering expanding its Philippine Army Transition Assistance Program to include dishonorably discharged soldiers.

"We maintain a roster of all soldiers with special skills, and we are strengthening our counter-intelligence efforts to keep track of the activities of former soldiers, especially those who possess special skills," said the Army in their statement.

"We call on all former soldiers to seek help if they are struggling with the transition to civilian life and to think carefully about the consequences of engaging in illegal activities."