MANILA – Three individuals linked to the March 4, 2023 shooting that killed then Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo have been convicted in separate cases involving illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday.

The Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 40, found Joric Garrido Labrador, Joven Calibjo Javier and Benjie Rodriguez guilty after prosecutors established the charges beyond reasonable doubt, according to the DOJ.

Labrador was sentenced to eight to 10 years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, while Javier and Rodriguez were each sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or up to 40 years in prison, for unlawful possession of explosives.

The cases stemmed from the shooting at Degamo’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, during an aid distribution activity. Degamo and nine others were killed, while dozens more were wounded.

Authorities recovered a .45-caliber pistol, two magazines, 14 rounds of live ammunition and two hand grenades from the three accused, the DOJ said.

The court also upheld the validity of the warrantless arrests, citing the sequence of events that began with the shooting and continued through the review of CCTV footage and the pursuit of the getaway vehicles.

It likewise ruled that the recovered items were properly identified and that their handling was established through the testimonies of police officers and other witnesses.

“Impunity should never triumph over justice. We shall hold accountable anyone who transgresses the rule of law,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said.