• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Pamplona Mayor Janice Vallega Degamo, the widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, remains hopeful on the return of former Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, through extradition from Timor Leste to the Philippines.
Degamo admitted that she was surprised and confused by the decision of the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals rejecting the request of the Philippine government to extradite Teves, after previously deciding in the latter’s favor twice.
We can’t help but think that the court in Timor-Leste could be influenced, Degamo said in a statement posted on her social media account.
Degamo, however, said she believes that the Philippine government will do its best to succeed in bringing Teves back to the country, so he can face the charges of multiple murder and frustrated murder against him and his associates, who are currently in a Manila court.
The widow of Degamo also expressed her concerns that Henry Teves, brother of the former Negros Oriental solon, may also escape to Timor Leste or another country, if a warrant of arrest for murder charges filed is against him by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Henry Teves is running for governor of Negros Oriental, while Janice Degamo is a candidate for the 3rd district congressional seat of the province, running against Janice Teves Gaston, an aunt of Teves siblings.
The two Janices will battle it out for the post that was once occupied by Rep. Arnie Teves, Jr. who was expelled by the House of Representatives after being implicated in the Pamplona massacre that killed then Governor Degamo inside his residence, as he was carrying out services to constituents.
Degamo said she will try to meet Justice Secretary Boying Remulla to shed light on the reason for the reversal of the decision, and to be updated on the government’s next steps.
In a translated copy of the supposed decision shared by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, the counsel of Teves, the Timor-Leste court cited the recantations of several witnesses who claimed they were forced to sign affidavits “pre-prepared by police and military personnel” meant to implicate Teves in the murders with which he was being charged.
The Philippine government has sought the extradition of Teves for him to face multiple murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder charges in Manila for the March 4, 2023 assassination of then Gov. Degamo, along with several others.
Aside from Degamo’s murder, Teves is among those also charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.
The Department of Justice said the Philippine government will explore and exhaust all legal remedies available to bring Teves back to the Philippines to face the charges.
“This case is not merely a legal issue; it is a matter of justice. The Philippine government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the principles of due process. We call on all concerned authorities to respect our legal processes and uphold international cooperation in the pursuit of justice,” it said.*
