Yesterday, suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves, Jr. was charged with murder in the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the alleged mastermind of the murder of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
Before 11 a.m., the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officers and personnel led by Director Medardo de Lemos arrived at the DOJ carrying boxes of documents based on the information and evidence they gathered in the investigation case.
“It’s ongoing. The [National Bureau of Investigation is here already. I was told by Director de Lemos that they are coming over to file the complaint,” according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Remulla said Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder.
In the formal filing of the complaint, Teves will be given the opportunity to file his counter-affidavit. This is if Teves can return to the country, who is currently moving his location to another country in Asia.
“He has to come home or they will file the case in court and the warrant will be issued in absentia,” explained Remulla.
Arnie Teves was initially charged with multiple murder in connection with the murder incident in 2019 and a case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The process of identifying him as a terrorist has also begun.
Arnie Teves charged with multiple murder
The case against Teves was originally scheduled to be filed this past Monday but it was delayed after the arrested suspect-witnesses allegedly kept quiet when they were suddenly given private lawyers.
Earlier, Teves Jr. insisted he is not coming to the philippines today, contrary to what Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claimed.
“Fake news. Dapat tinanong muna nila ako bago sila nagsalita,” Teves said.
On May 9, Remulla made public that the Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste had relayed information to them, revealing that Teves is currently in Dili. Teves had reportedly applied for a protection visa in Timor-Leste, indicating an intention to seek asylum.
Simultaneously, on the same day, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste had officially denied Teves’ application. As a result, Arnie Teves was granted a period of five days to either depart from the country or submit an appeal.
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