March 4, 2023, will forever be etched in Negros Oriental’s history as a dark and tragic day. The brutal assassination of Governor Roel Degamo at his own home was not just an attack on one man but an assault on democracy and the rule of law. As the province moves forward, we must not let the memory of this heinous crime fade into the background. Instead, we must use it as a rallying cry to demand accountability, improve security, and ensure that such an atrocity never happens again.
Governor Degamo’s assassination was a stark reminder of the deep-rooted political violence that has plagued our country for decades. It exposed the vulnerabilities of our leaders and the weaknesses in our security and justice systems. In the immediate aftermath, there was a nationwide outcry, a flurry of investigations, and promises of swift justice. But what has changed since then? Have we done enough to prevent another tragedy?
Ensuring that such a brazen act of violence does not recur requires a multi-pronged approach. First and foremost, justice must be served. The perpetrators, including the masterminds behind the crime, must be held accountable to restore faith in the country’s legal system. Delayed justice is justice denied, and the people of Negros Oriental deserve closure.
Second, political leaders and law enforcement agencies must prioritize security reforms. If a sitting governor can be assassinated in broad daylight, what does that say about the safety of ordinary citizens? There must be stronger security protocols for public officials, but more importantly, there must be a genuine effort to dismantle the culture of impunity that allows such crimes to be orchestrated with ease.
Third, political culture must change. The normalization of violence as a means of settling political disputes has no place in a democratic society. This requires long-term efforts in education, civic engagement, and the strengthening of institutions that uphold transparency and good governance. Political rivalries should be settled through policy debates and elections—not through bullets and bloodshed.
Finally, the people of Negros Oriental must remain vigilant. It is not enough to mourn the loss of Governor Degamo and move on. We must demand that authorities uphold their commitments to justice and security. We must reject candidates and leaders who condone or turn a blind eye to political violence. Most importantly, we must foster a culture where leaders are chosen based on merit, vision, and service—not fear or coercion.
Remembering Roel Degamo is also about ensuring that his tragic fate is never repeated. It is about standing up for justice, democracy, and the rule of law. The greatest injustice we can commit now is to forget.
