• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
You can run, but you cannot hide.
This was the reaction of Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on the arrest of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie”Teves Jr in Timor Leste, which was welcomed by Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo.
The apprehension of Teves by operatives of the International Police took place on Thursday, while he was playing at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili, Timor Leste.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023, and three others in 2019.
“Words cannot express how it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband, surrounded by police,” Mayor Degamo said in her social media account.
Lacson, who described the arrest of Teves as the first process, said the former lawmaker will now be allowed to defend himself in the proper forum.
In a television interview, Mayor Degamo, the widow of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Ragay Degamo, said they have been praying hard for so long, for the day that he will be arrested. “Praise God that he has been arrested. We are really happy about this development,” she added.
Teves is now under the custody of the Timorese police, while his extradition to the Philippines is being worked out by NCB-Dili, in coordination with the team from NCB-Manila and Dili Philippine Embassy.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said that the apprehension of Teves is a testament to the power of international cooperation.
“It sends a clear message that no terrorist can evade justice, and that nations stand united in safeguarding the safety and security of their citizens,” Remulla added.
Teves must face his long-delayed trial “squarely” without setting any conditions, he further said.
He likewise thanked Philippine law enforcement teams and international partners for their relentless efforts in fighting lawlessness to achieve peace.
“The capture of Teves only proves that through concerted efforts and determination, terrorism can be thwarted and peace preserved,” Remulla added.*
