• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Oriental 3rd district Representative Janice Degamo, widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo admitted that it was “painful and difficult to accept” the acquittal of former lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in one of murder cases related to a 2019 killing in Dumaguete.
But it does not erase the fact that there are still multiple court trials ongoing, for other 2019 murder cases and for the Pamplona Massacre that took the life of Roel. Those proceedings continue, and so does our pursuit of accountability, Rep. Degamo said in a statement.
Teves Jr. has been accused of being the mastermind behind the Pamplona massacre in 2023, which claimed the life of then Gov. Degamo and several others. The former solon, who is now locked up in jail, denies the accusations against him.
He was acquitted of the murder of former Negros Oriental Board Member Miguel Lopez Dungog on March 25, 2019, in Dumaguete City.
Rep. Degamo said “these cases are older, and each carries different circumstances, and levels of evidence.”
Justice is not always swift, and it is never easy, but I believe it will prevail. For my husband. For every victim. For every family left behind. We will continue to hope, to endure, and to fight for truth and justice, the lady solon added.
Rep. Degamo said she remains committed to support other victims, as they continue to seek justice through the proper legal processes.
Our pain is shared, our resolve is collective, and our voices will not be silenced by setbacks along the way, the solon stressed.
Teves is still facing multiple murder and frustrated murder cases before a regional trial court in Manila.*
