Three suspects in the 2023 killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo has been sentenced by the Manila regional trial court (RTC) branch 40 for separate charges involving illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, the Manila RTC Branch 40 sentenced Joric Garrido Labrador to eight to 10 years in prison over firearms and ammunition seized from him. Co-accused Joven Calibjo Javier and Benjie Rodriguez were each sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment, over two grenades recovered during their arrest.

The three were initially arrested in a follow-up police operation after armed men attacked Degamo’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, in March 2023. Degamo and several other people were killed in the shooting.

The court upheld the warrantless arrests of the three suspects, citing the circumstances of the police response, witness testimonies, accounts from police officers, CCTV footage and the investigation into the shooting.

The Department of Justice clarified that the cases decided by Branch 40 are separate from the murder-related charges the three suspects are facing.

Labrador, Javier and Rodriguez are also charged with multiple counts of murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder before Manila RTC Branch 17 in connection with the Degamo shooting. The case also names former Negros Oriental congressman Arnie Teves and other accused.

Justice Department spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the case was recently transferred to Branch 17 from Branch 51.

He said the trial is progressing and both parties are awaiting the court’s resolution on the accused’s petition for bail.