Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has pointed out the suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep Arnolfo Teves Jr. as the main mastermind behind the assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo.
While the arrested is another ‘brain,” ex-military reservist Marvin Miranda who, as if in the movie, acted as the ‘director’ of the crime that took place.
In the press conference at Camp Crame, Remulla likened Miranda’s role as ‘casting director/director’ to the murder of Degamo, while Teves, who was abroad at the time, pointed out that he was the ‘executive producer’.
“Kung sa sine, Cong. Teves is the executive producer and producer and he (Miranda) is the director and casting director,” said Remulla.
It is said that the other suspects pointed to Miranda as the one who recruited them, contracted with them and drew weapons.
In the ‘warrantless arrest’ accusation, Remulla insisted that Miranda’s arrest resulted from a ‘hot pursuit operation’ because the suspect had been wanted since March 4, which was the day the victims were murdered.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. detailed the relationship between Miranda and Congressman Teves.
Miranda has been serving as Teves’ security and bodyguard for a long time.
Abalos said Miranda played a crucial role in the planning and the actual killing of Degamo, mainly because of his strong relationship with Rep. Teves.
Arnie Teves ‘executive producer’ of Degamo’s killing – DOJ
Abalos added that Miranda follows what he calls a “boss idol, big boss or bald man” who supports the killing of Degamo.
Currently, according to Abalos, 12 suspects in Degamo’s murder have been accounted for, and 11 of them are in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation. At the same time, another was killed in follow-up operations.
Abalos further disclosed that one of the guns confiscated in the raid conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at the HDJ Compound was also named after Rep. Teves, which is owned by the lawmaker’s brother, former Negros Gov. Pryde Henry Teves.
The DOJ is reviewing Miranda’s testimony, who allegedly hired a lawyer from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and not a private lawyer.
Remulla first announced last Friday that they arrested one of the ‘main players’ in the killing of Degamo outside of Negros Oriental. Because of this arrest, he considers the case ‘99%’ solved.
The congressman remains in another country because of the alleged danger to his life. Teves initially denied the accusation against him.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.