Ambush-Slay of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo: Unpacking the Connections between Military Discharge and Criminal Involvement

The recent arrest of former Philippine Army soldiers involved in the ambush-slay of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo highlights the importance of cleaning the army squad from bad soldiers. The suspects were dishonorably discharged from the military service years ago due to their lack of discipline and involvement in illegal drugs. Their unauthorized use of military uniforms, firearms, and insignias during the attack is a cowardly act that deceives and misleads the authorities and ordinary people.

The Philippine Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, strongly condemns this act and emphasizes the Army's solidarity with the law enforcement authorities in resolving the case and giving justice to the victims. The Department of National Defense also condoles with the families of Degamo and the other victims.

The case raises concerns about the need to identify and weed out bad soldiers from the army. The army plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the country, and soldiers must exhibit discipline and integrity in performing their duties. Those who fail to meet the standards must be removed from service to prevent them from becoming a threat to society.

Furthermore, the case underscores the importance of collaboration between the local government and the security sector for the betterment of the communities. Governor Degamo was a firm believer in this collaboration and supported peace and development efforts under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for the reintegration of former rebels to mainstream society is an excellent example of this collaboration.

The arrest of former Philippine Army soldiers involved in the ambush-slay of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo highlights the importance of identifying and removing bad soldiers from the army. It also underscores the significance of collaboration between the local government and the security sector for the betterment of communities. The army plays a vital role in maintaining peace and security in the country, and it is essential to ensure that its soldiers exhibit discipline and integrity in performing their duties.