The Supreme Court granted a request made by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla to litigate all cases related to the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in Manila.

Remulla made the request through a 9 March letter addressed to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and coursed through Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva.

SC spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka said Remulla’s letter was discussed during yesterday’s regular en banc session of the SC.

All cases filed and to be filed regarding the killing of Degamo and eight others inside the compound of his residence in the town of Pamplona will be heard in a court outside of Negros Oriental.

Remulla cited the need to protect the respondents, witnesses, and other parties in the cases, thus his request that the cases be tried outside of the province.

He added the case has gained significant media attention in Negros Oriental, creating a hostile environment for the respondents.