Teves, Degamo camps can’t claim they’re absolutely clean, says Bato

Both the camps of slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. cannot claim that they are "absolutely clean" in connection with the spate of violence in the province, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa issued the remark on Thursday after concluding the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee’s investigation into the series of assassinations and attempted killings in the province.

"Nobody can claim from both camps that they are absolutely clean kasi may mga allegations at alam natin na ang mga allegations na ‘yun ay meron talagang weight at may katotohanan," he told reporters in an interview.

"So lahat ng mga kaso na ‘yon dapat mabigyang linaw after this through the follow up of the concerned agencies,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with reporters.

(Nobody can claim from both camps that they are absolutely clean because there are allegations and we all know that those allegations have weight. So all those allegations should be looked into by the concerned agencies.)

The former chief of the Philippine National Police also shared that he had previously received an intelligence report on the killings in Negros Oriental where both families are said to be involved.

“If I am at the center of the fence, both sides walang malinis. Mayroong mga allegation [are not clean, because there are allegations],” he said.

Dela Rosa said he is leaving it to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring justice to Degamo's assassination. The DOJ, citing statements from arrested suspects, has pointed to Teves as the likely mastermind in the killing.

Dela Rosa echoed this, saying evidence seem to be leaning toward Teves.

Teves, who has refused to return to the country due to security reasons, has repeatedly denied the accusation, saying he has no motive to kill Degamo even though the Degamos are their political rivals.

“We fully trust the DOJ that they can deliver justice to the slain Governor Gegamo,” Dela Rosa said.

With the conclusion of the Senate investigation, Dela Rosa said they will continue to exercise their oversight functions over the PNP and will follow up on the changes and improvements in the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental.

The Senate panel had investigated at least 23 cases of killings and attacks in Negros Oriental including that of Governor Degamo. —KBK, GMA Integrated News