The camp of Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. assured that the lawmaker is “not hiding” abroad after being accused of being the mastermind behind the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo — but he said he will only return to the Philippines if his case is handled fairly.
This was shared by Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ lawyer, Tuesday, in an interview with CNN Philippines. It will be remembered that Degamo, a known rival of Teves’ brother in politics, was shot on March 4th while distributing aid.
“He is not in hiding because he left long before the crime being imputed to him was committed and one cannot be in hiding when there is nothing to hide from,” said Topacio in an interview earlier.
“[Teves] is more than eager to come back to face the charges and clear his name.”
It will be remembered that two suspects in the killing of Degamo pointed to a “Congressman Teves” as being behind the heinous crime. Arnolfo is the brother of Pryde Henry, who also used to represent Negros Oriental.
Teves was first reported to have flown to the United States on February 28 for medical treatment but never returned to the Philippines. This is even though his House travel authority expired on March 9.
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Lawyer: Teves not hiding, ready to face charges
Topacio said they need assurance from the authorities that he will not immediately be judged “guilty” until a proper investigation is conducted.
It was only a few days ago that Teves’ side said that he now fears for his safety.
All this happened after the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed a criminal complaint against the lawmaker’s secretariat and five others.
The complaints of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Rep. Teves, his sons Kurt Mathrew and Axl are being prepared “as soon as possible” even though they have no warrants to execute, according to the police.
Teves was initially charged with multiple-murder for the series of murders.
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