Remulla: Evidence vs Teves ‘mounting’
DOJ eyes ‘blue notice’ for NegOr solon
NINE out of ten suspects now in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have pointed to Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. as having “certain involvement” in the killing of provincial governor Roel Degamo.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the development but refused to provide further details as it may jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
Remulla stated, “Andun yun sa mga statements. The statements [that] were issued so far point to a certain involvement on his (end). There are nine or ten statements that we hold.”
He expressed confidence that these statements were “enough” to establish probable cause against Teves, who is currently out of the country.
However, Remulla emphasized the need to gather more evidence to strengthen the case against the lawmaker.
Teves, who underwent stem cell therapy, has denied any involvement in the March 4 assassination of Degamo, which also resulted in the deaths of eight other people.
He recently requested a two-month leave of absence from Congress due to a “very grave security threat to his life and his family.”
He has promised to return “once the threat is dealt with accordingly.”
In a related development, the DOJ is planning to ask the International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, to issue a “blue notice” against the Negros Oriental (3rd district) representative who is being implicated in the March 4 killing of Gov. Roel Degamo.
A “blue notice” would notify member countries that Teves is under investigation for alleged crimes. This will allow them to gather additional information about his identity, location, or activities while the investigation is ongoing.
Remulla stated, “It means everywhere he passes, he will be asked by Interpol question. I don’t know if they have already filed for a blue notice. I am not the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation); it’s the NBI that arranges with Interpol.”
