10 suspects tagged Arnie Teves in Degamo killing —DOJ

At least 10 suspects have linked Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr. to the killing of Governor Roel Degamo, according to the Department of Justice.

“The statements that were issued so far point to a certain involvement on his part,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in Saleema Refran’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it is in possession of 10 statements from the suspects pointing Teves in the killing of Degamo and eight others.

Among those linking Teves were the assault team members captured during the shooting of Degamo.

Asked if this was sufficient evidence against Teves, Remulla said, “It may be enough depending on the requirement of the panel of prosecutors. But it’s better if we can further the information there.”

However, Teves cannot be considered a fugitive due to the ongoing process of the law.

“He is a person wanted for questioning. He has a lot of explaining to do. He is a subject of summons so that he can do explaining and the fact that he does not want to serve with the service of summons means that he is evading,” Remulla said.

GMA Integrated News is still asking the side of Teves.

Teves has refused to return to the country over safety concerns.

Former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves, brother of the suspended congressman, surrendered his guns to the Bayawan City Police Office for safe keeping.

He also earlier said that he was ready to waive his bank accounts and all means of communication to prove that he knew nothing about the killing of Degamo.

“Iba yung waiver niya, Iba yung waiver kung iba yung magbibigay ng waiver si former congress, si ano congressman Arnie. I wish it was him giving the waiver and not Henry,” Remulla said.

(His waiver is different, the waiver is different from congressman Arnie. I wish it was him giving the waiver and not Henry.)

Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez has assumed the role of caretaker of the third district of Negros Oriental, represented by suspended lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.

Romualdez said the designation was made "in the interest of the people" of Teves' district.

The Special Task Force Degamo also answered concerns that the weapons were allegedly planted in the compound of the former Negros Oriental governor.

“Ngayon, siguro naman wala siyang masasabing pinlanta ito. bakit? paano mo ipa-planta eh 8 feet deep, nag-backhoe pa kami,” Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said.

Teves, his brother, and children’s license to own and to carry weapons have also been revoked.

Of almost 50 guns owned by Teves and his brother, at least 12 were confiscated in January.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News