THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the indictment of Marvin Halaman Miranda, who allegedly served as the “director” in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
In a statement, the DOJ said the recommendation of the state prosecutors to indict Miranda was based on the statement of other arrested suspects in relation to Degamo’s killing.
Osmundo Rojas Rivero, Joven Calibjo Javier, Joric Garrido Labrador, Benjie Buladula Rodriguez, Winrich Baloyo Isturis, Dahniel Pajarillo Lora, Rommel Alaba Pattaguan, John Louis Labrador Gonyon, Eulogio Legario Gonyon Jr. and Rogelio Calimpong Antipolo Jr. were earlier arrested over their involvement in Degamo’s killing.
“Based on the disclosures made by accused Antipolo, Javier, Rodriguez, Labrador, and Rivero in their respective extra-judicial confessions, Miranda played an indispensable part in the planning of the assassination of the governor,” it said.
“The state prosecutors found that Miranda conspired in the commission of the crimes and recommended his indictment, together with accused Antipolo, Isturis, Javier, Pattaguan, E. Gonyon, and JL. Gonyon, who were previously charged in court. In effect, the state prosecutors would be amending the intormations previously filed in court to include Miranda as one or the accused,” it added.
Miranda was arrested on March 27 in Barangay Madlad, Municipality of Barbasa in Antique.
He was presented for inquest proceedings before the DOJ state prosecutors on April 3, 2023.
Miranda and the other suspects are to be tried jointly for the following charges:
* Nine counts of murder for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo, Jessie Bot-Ay, Jose Marie Ramirez, Jomar Canseco, Crispin Vallega Jr., Florenda, Joseph Retada, Michael Gidan Fabugais, and Jerome Maquiling;
* 13 counts of frustrated murder for the victims who sustained fatal injuries, namely: Liland Zoila B. Estacion, Gerald T. Malunes, David Toryan Cortez, Fredelino E. Café Jr., Chyrell E. Garpen, Rosa Emelia Banquerigo, Vickmar Rayoso, Maxben June Torremocha, Niki D. Espinas, Pedro W. Flores Jr., Sgt. Edmar Sayon, Raymond V. Baro, and Edwarrymn T. Alavaren;
* Four counts of attempted murder for the victims who sustained non-fatal injuries, namely: Rodelio Ragay Quinikito, Mario Mendanio Quilnet, Kris Arnold T. Lester, and Diomedes Omatang.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier expressed confidence that Degamo’s murder case is “nearing its conclusion” following Miranda’s arrest.
“The case is 99 percent finished. Following the arrest of Marvin Miranda, I can tell you that it is only a matter of time before we can put this to bed,” he said.
In a separate interview, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said charges will be filed against the alleged mastermind in Degamo’s killing, suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., "very soon."
Remulla earlier said Teves served as the “executive producer” in Degamo’s execution, noting that he funded the attack.
Teves denied the accusations as he refused to come back to the country due to “serious threats” against his life.
The embattled lawmaker is also facing murder charges in relation to the killing of three individuals in Dumaguete City in 2019. (SunStar Philippines)