DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, March 10 (PIA) -- Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, the widow of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, expressed her confidence over President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s promise to serve justice for her husband and for other victims of the March 4 Pamplona shooting incident.

“Nanghihinayang lang kami that the governor died in an early age along with eight others. Sana yung death niya hindi masayang at maging meaningful naman (We mourn for the loss of our governor who died at an early age along with eight others. We hope his death will be meaningful). If we will be able to unmask the culprit that would also mean peace in Negros Oriental,” said Degamo.

President Marcos flew to Dumaguete City on March 8 to visit the wake of the late governor and to personally extend his sympathies and condolences to the Degamo family and to the families of the other individuals who were killed in the incident.

The President arrived at Degamo's residence in Brgy. Junob, this city at 6:17 p.m. accompanied by some of his Cabinet secretaries.

President Marcos and his party stayed with the mayor and family members of other victims for close to two hours.

“Sinabi ko sa kanila (families of the victims), makakaasa sila na magkakaroon ng hustisya sa inyong probinsiya (I told them justice will be served in your province)," the President told the media shortly after his visit at the wake.

"I came here para makiramay sa family ni Gov. Roel at nagtatanong kami kung ano pa ang kailangan gawin para matulungan yung mga biktima pati yung mga nasa ospital ngayon (I came here to condole with the family of Gov. Roel. I asked about the other victims especially those who are still in the hospital and inquired what assistance do they need so that we can help them)," said Pres. Marcos

The mayor said they were all touched by the President’s gesture.

“Lahat ng kaharap niya sa araw na ito we have requests. Mahirap din ibigay ang justice dahil may proseso doon. Na-appreciate talaga namin na amidst him being very busy sa kanyang schedule nakita rin talaga niya at naalala na i-visit si Governor (Roel) (All of us that he met today have requests. Justice can’t be served immediately because we have to undergo a process but we appreciate that despite him being busy he saw the need and remembered to visit Governor Roel),” Mayor Degamo said.

Meanwhile, she welcomed the Department of Justice's statement that the case can be considered as “almost closed.”

The mayor said they are hopeful with this update and this means that the agencies handling the case are able to come up with a solid case against the suspects and the mastermind.

The interment for the mortal remains of Governor Degamo is tentatively set on March 16 in his hometown in Bonawon, Siaton.  (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)