Three men linked to the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo have been convicted on separate charges of illegally possessing firearms and explosives. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, according to multiple Philippine news outlets, including Inquirer.net and the Philippine News Agency.
The convictions stem from weapons-related offenses rather than the murder itself. Inquirer.net reports that the three suspects were found guilty of illegal possession of guns and bombs. The court’s decision covers these specific charges, which were filed as part of the broader legal proceedings connected to the high-profile killing.
The case has drawn significant national attention since Governor Degamo was fatally shot in March 2023 at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Several individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the attack, which authorities have described as a coordinated operation. The three men convicted on Wednesday are among those who were taken into custody during the investigation into the assassination.
Philippine News Agency and philstar.com both confirmed the convictions, noting that the ruling applies to the firearm and explosives cases only. BusinessWorld also reported on the court’s decision, emphasizing that the guilty verdicts are separate from any potential homicide charges that may still be pending against the suspects.
Legal observers will now watch whether the prosecution pursues additional charges against the convicted men or whether this ruling influences the pace of the main murder case. The court has not yet announced sentencing for the three individuals found guilty on the weapons violations.
