By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
FROM birth to death, slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and America’s 16th president Abraham Lincoln had almost the same fate.
Both “struggled” for living and learning. As if they “sketched” their lives, too.
Each started with odd jobs before reaching the “political glam”.
Before becoming a sought-after lawyer, President Lincoln was once a farm worker, a welder and a store keeper.
Despite being a mechanical engineer by profession, Gov. Roel also started as a driver at the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) in Palawan.
President Lincoln’s political career commenced when he ran for senator, but lost to Stephen Doughlas in 1858. However, his debate against Doughlas was notable. It gained him national reputation that ultimately catapulted him to power as president of the United States (US) in 1860.
The down-to-earth Gov. Roel begun in politics as town councilor in Siaton, NegOr (1998-2007), then as provincial board member (2010), vice governor (2010-2011) and governor (2011-March 4, 2023).
Moreover, President Lincoln’s and Gov. Roel’s “political charm” was contagious. They were loved by ordinary people, especially the “oppressed”. They fought hard for peace. But they both died via senseless murder. And with their tragic deaths, their quest for “peace with magnanimity” died, too.
Gov. Roel, who perished in the March 4’s gun attack, was labeled as the “modern Lincoln”.
‘HARD-ASS’
Be it known, too, that President Lincoln and Gov. Roel were both “hard-ass” public servants. They’re “hard-nosed” on anything against the poor.
President Lincoln became infamous when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation (EP) in 1863. It declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy.
Gov. Roel also faced an “odious battle” – a 90-day suspension order for alleged misuse of P480-M calamity fund during typhoon “Sendong” in 2017.
But armed with formidable faith in God and purity of the heart, he aced all the criminal and administrative charges.
President Lincoln was noted on his tenacious mantra: “With malice towards none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds.”
Gov. Roel was branded with his fave song – Gary Valenciano’s Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos.
As always, his well sung stanza:
“Sikapin mo, pilitin mo, tibayan ang iyong puso
Tanging ikaw ang huhubog sa iyong bukas
Huwag mo sanang akalain, natutulog ba ang Diyos?
Ang buhay mo ay mayro’ng halaga sa kanya.”
Lo and behold, President Lincoln was assassinated by movie actor John Wilkes Booth at the Petersen House in Washington, District of Colombia (DC) on April 15, 1865.
Gov. Roel succumbed to 11 gunshot wounds that literally shattered his heart. He was declared dead on arrival at the Negros Polymedic Hospital in Sibulan shortly before noon of March 4, 2023.
The gruesome incident took place around 9 a.m. inside Degamo’s family-owned compound. Nine were killed, including the governor, and 17 others were wounded.
Five of the more than 10 alleged suspects were already nabbed. They’re from the military and police service.
‘SAD CALAMITY’
Both President Lincoln’s and Gov. Roel’s deaths were billed as “sad calamity”.
President Lincoln and Gov. Roel were the first US president and Negros Island governor, respectively, to be assassinated.
President Lincoln’s assassination inexpressively shocked the world. World leaders grieved, and said: “He died to redeem a nation, a race.”
Gov. Roel’s untimely demise also angered the entire Philippine nation. He expired in the midst of his bellicose against guns, goons, illegal drugs and illegal gambling.
The “Wall of Angst” set up in front of the NegOr capitol in Dumaguete City was filled with handwritten notes. There, people expressed their love, thanks, support and prayers for the slain governor.
Likewise, their angst and hatred against whom they tagged as “political gangster” in their province.
President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. already stressed, “Degamo’s killing can’t go unpunished.” “Entirely unacceptable and it will not stand,” the country’s top honcho added.
NOT EASY BUT…
Well, I salute Gov. Roel’s widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice. She admitted that their quest for justice ain’t easy. But she’s confident justice will be served soonest.
Mayor Janice described her husband as a working governor “through and through”.
In 2020, the governor knew his life was at risk. Yet the threat(s) he received neither dwarfed nor cowered him to continue serving his constituents “in high esteem”.
That’s why he died in the midst of public service – still giving ayuda to the poor and the needy.
Indeed, he could either be “Providential” or “sacrificial lamb” meant to abrogate “evil” in NegOr.
Rest in peace, Gov. Roel. /PN
