A Catholic bishop lamented Monday that actions that “have been done so far” to bring justice for the killing of a former governor and nine other people, “are not enough to quench our thirst for lasting peace.”
“It may appear that our local situation is back to normal, especially with all the strategic positioning for the upcoming 2025 mid-term elections. But how can we really claim normalcy if some of our people continue to cry for true justice, and are troubled by fear, division, and confusion?” said Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete.
On March 4, 2024, Negros Oriental Roel Ragay Degamo and nine others were shot dead inside his residence in Pamplona town. The perpetrators also left 17 others injured.
Degamo was distributing aid when armed men entered and fired at him.
Bishop Cortes said cases may have been filed and suspects may have been arrested “but the resolution is not yet in sight.”
The prelated echoed Miroslav Volf, a Croatian theologian, saying that “true peace and reconciliation is a long and difficult process, and it cannot be achieved through superficial and insincere gestures.”
He said justice requires “an acknowledgment of the harm done, a deep commitment to addressing the underlying issues and working towards a just and peaceful future.”
He called on the faithful to offer prayers for the victims, and their families, and “for the conversion of hearts of the perpetrators and their masterminds.”
“Let us renew our support for and appeal to local and national government authorities to continue working for the full resolution of this case, so that truth, justice, and genuine peace may reign again this year in Negros Oriental,” said Bishop Cortes.
