THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted for multiple counts of murder the long-time security and bodyguard of Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo Teves for his alleged role as co-mastermind in the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo.

Government prosecutors found probable cause to indict Marvin Halaman Miranda, a key figure in the assassination of Degamo last March 4, following inquest proceedings.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that Miranda is the “missing piece that will tie up all loose ends of the case.”

Miranda, along with several other respondents, is facing nine counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder.

“The state prosecutors would be amending the informations previously filed in court to include Miranda as one of the accused,” the DOJ said in a press briefer.

Earlier, Remulla noted a “very strong connection” between Teves and Miranda, a military reservist who was recently arrested and is currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The former Cavite congressman claimed that Miranda was responsible for recruiting the assassins who carried out the deadly operation.

Remulla likened the roles of Teves and Miranda in the assassination of Degamo to those of an executive producer and a director/casting director in a movie production.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas