DOJ begins formal probe into Teves multiple murder raps
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to commence its preliminary investigation on Monday, June 13, regarding the multiple murder complaints filed against suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in connection with the killings of provincial governor Roel Degamo and several others on March 4.
Teves, who is currently abroad and has yet to return, is expected to submit his counter-affidavit through his legal representative, Ferdinand Topacio.
The charges against Teves encompass 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder.
Teves has consistently denied any involvement in Degamo’s assassination and has expressed his intention to come back to the Philippines once his concerns about personal safety have been adequately addressed.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack on the governor’s residence in Pamplona town was carried out by heavily armed individuals wearing camouflage uniforms. The incident occurred while Degamo was meeting with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Degamo was killed 19 days after the Supreme Court declared him the winner of the highly contested gubernatorial race in the province.
The death toll resulting from the daytime assault on Degamo and several others has reached 10, with one victim succumbing to gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.
