A FORMER soldier who played a key role in the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo that resulted in the collateral deaths of several civilians surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

During a joint press conference yesterday, Remulla, along with Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., and AFP Chief of Staff Andres Castor Centino, announced that the suspect, who is critical to the case, will be turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for protective custody.

Remulla furthersaid that the suspect possesses vital information regarding the incident and can aid in identifying the mastermind.

The former Cavite congressman expressed hope that the suspect’s surrender will help bring justice to the victims and their families.

However, Remulla declined to provide additional information about the suspect, citing the potential for it to preempt an ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, Abalos said that the DILG is willing to extend assistance and protection to the victims’ families and will evaluate thoroughly should they need security.

The assassination of Degamo and eight others shocked the nation. The incident occurred while Degamo was meeting with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at his residence in Pamplona town.

LATEST SUSPECT CORROBORATES OTHER STATEMENT

Remulla said the latest suspect to surrender has corroborated the statements made by two other suspects.

The two suspects tagged Negros Oriental Rep. Arnie Teves Jr. of orchestrating the killing, which resulted in the deaths of eight individuals.

When asked if the surrendered suspect, a former soldier, named Teves as the mastermind, Remulla replied: “There are circumstances that lead you to the conclusion that he may perhaps be involved in the crime, but the specifics of that, we cannot tell you now.”

Teves consistently denied any involvement in the March 4 killing of Degamo.

The lawmaker has yet to return from his United States trip reportedly for stem cell treatment.

He recently sought a two-month leave of absence from Congress, citing a “very grave security threat to his life and his family.”

He made the request in a letter addressed to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez through House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.

Teves pledged to return “once the threat is dealt with accordingly

PNP ASSURES TEVES OF SECURITY ONCE HE RETURNS TO THE COUNTRY

The Philippine National Police headed by Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. reiterated its vow to ensure the safety and security of Teves should he finally decides to return to the country.

The assurance was given as top government officials, including colleagues of Teves from the House of Representatives led by Romualdez, continued to persuade him to come home and face the criminal complaints against him, specifically charges that he has a hand in the murder of Degamo and eight others last March 4.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that Teves and his family would be provided adequate security to address their safety concerns as Speaker Romualdez called on him to reconsider his decision not to return.

The top House official last week denied the request of Teves for a two-month leave after his travel authority expired last March 9.

“Suffice it to say, all government agencies are working together to convince Cong. Teves to come home and face the complaints against him. We reiterate that we are ready to provide security for him and his family when he flies back home,” Fajardo said.

However, the official said that the camp of Teves, particularly his lawyers, are yet to say anything on the appeal for the Negros solon to return the country even as Justice Secretary Remulla Jr. disclosed that the lawmaker has been monitored to have already left the United States and is now somewhere in Southeast Asia.

Remulla said that the refusal of Teves to return to Manila could also be construed as an “indication of guilt.”

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed a total of eight cases for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 against Teves and some co-accused.

Although the DOJ last week dismissed one of the cases against him, the PNP has considered it as a minor setback since there are still other cases yet to be resolved.

“The CIDG believes they have strong evidence to prove the involvement of the accused,” Fajardo said.

Teves is still facing criminal complaints for violation of RA 10591 and RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives after CIDG agents recovered a cache of high-powered guns, grenade and hundreds of assorted live ammunition against him and some fellows in Negros Oriental.

REMULLA TO ACT ON REQUEST TO REPLACE PROSECUTORS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL

Remulla yesterday vowed to take action on a request to replace state prosecutors in the conflict-ridden Negros Oriental province.

“We are working on it,” Remulla said during a press briefing with Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., adding: “As many as necessary,” when asked about the number of public prosecutors who would be affected by the revamp.

According to Remulla, the “goal is to eliminate familiarity so that people will not perceive the prosecutors as bias.”

He also underscored the need to distance those who previously held positions in order to ensure fairness and eliminate public doubt.

The relatives of the slain Degamo had suggested that prosecutors in the province be replaced. By Hector Lawas, Joel dela Torre and Alfred Dalizon