• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Oriental 3rd district Representative-elect Janice Degamo is looking forward of personally facing dismissed Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves in court, to deliver justice for her husband, the late Governor Roel Degamo, along with nine other victims.
In a statement, Degamo, who defeated Janice Teves Gaston, the aunt of siblings Arnie and Pryde Henry Teves, for the 3rd district congressional seat in the province, described the arrest of the dismissed solon as a “significant step toward justice, not only for our family, but for the people of Negros Oriental and the entire nation who were shaken by the horrific footage of my husband and nine others being mercilessly gunned down on March 4th, 2023.”
Pryde Henry Teves, who tried to mount a comeback in politics, also lost to incumbent Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria in the gubernatorial race for Negros Occidental in the recent elections.
For over two years, our call has been clear and unwavering – that those responsible for this heinous crime must be held accountable, no matter how far they run or how long they hide, Degamo said.
Former Rep. Teves was arrested by immigration officers early Wednesday in Timor Leste, where he sought asylum, as confirmed by his son, Axl, on a Facebook post.
Axl Teves, in a social media post, said “I am making this video to inform everyone that my father, Arnie Teves, has been kidnapped and abused.”
The former lawmaker allegedly masterminded in the killing of former Governor Degamo and nine others two years ago, inside his residential compound in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Arnie Teves has strongly denied the accusations against him.
He also refuses to return to the Philippines, saying he is a subject of political persecution.
Congresswoman elect Degamo, in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo, said that the arrest of Arnie Teves “is what we have been praying for all along.”
Degamo said that the former lawmaker has been claiming that he has nothing to do with the murders. In that case, Degamo said, there is nothing wrong with coming home and facing the justice system.
“He has to have the balls to come home and face justice,” the widow of then Gov. Degamo said.
She added that the arrest of Arnie Teves should serve as a reminder that “no one is above the law.”
Degamo further said that they are looking forward to the proper legal proceedings that will bring lasting peace to Negros Oriental, and long overdue justice for her husband and hundreds of other victims.*
