Following the surrender and arrest of several suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, the Department of Justice (DOJ) hopes that the cases against them will be filed in court by the end of March.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the case could be filed on March 30 or March 31.
“We think that it should be right for the filing hopefully by March 30 we can file these cases. March 30 o 31,” he said.
But when the secretary asked if Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. was among those charged, Remulla could not answer.
“I don’t know yet because if the case will be filed, it still has to go preliminary investigation, except for those who voluntarily gave their statements,” said Remulla.
The DOJ has a list of possible suspects in Degamo’s murder, and there are more to be added to their initial list.
DOJ will prosecute suspects in Degamo slay this March
According to Remulla, the evidence that will put pressure on the people behind the crime is essential.
“We have a listing already – the initial list that we got was 17 people but there are more names coming up but as I said, we have to build up cases,” said Remulla.
Remulla believes that there is a group or organization in Negros Oriental that is behind the killing incidents in the province.
“We are looking for a group of people or organization within Negros Oriental that is possibly involved in this… Maybe a group of 7 to 10 people may be involved here in the murders that we are talking about… Very possible, they may intersect at some points or they may have a lot in common with the Degamo murderers,” said Remulla.
Last week, Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves asked the leadership of the House of Representatives to allow him to take a leave of absence for two months because of the “very grave threat” to his life and his family.
Teves left the country to get medical treatment in America. But his travel authority issued by the House leadership is only valid until March 9.
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