Warrantless arrest of Degamo slay suspects affirmed

MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) has declared valid the warrantless arrest of two suspects in the murder of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.

In a 33-page ruling, the CA’s 4th Division dismissed a petition filed by Joric Labrador and Benjie Rodriguez, accusing the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 40 of committing grave abuse of discretion.

Labrador and Rodriguez said the RTC has no jurisdiction over their case since their warrantless arrest was illegal.

They said the arrest was not done during a valid pursuit operation.

Labrador and Rodriguez were arrested on March 4, 2023, seven hours after Degamo was killed inside his residence in Pamplona town.

Police officers spotted the suspects getting off two cars that were identified as getaway vehicles of the men who killed Degamo.

Labrador reportedly tried to shoot the lawmen, but he was subdued and arrested along with Rodriguez and their companion.

Court records showed that during a body search, police seized from the suspects firearms, ammunition and grenades.

Labrador and Rodriguez said their arrest, the seizure of pieces of evidence from them and their supposed extrajudicial confessions were illegal.

The trial court ruled otherwise, prompting the suspects to file an appeal before the CA.

The appellate court said the arrest was valid since the police officers had prior knowledge of the facts and circumstances of the situation at the time.

The CA said Labrador’s attempt to shoot  officers justified the warrantless arrest.