DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said that the murder of nine individuals, including Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, is “no laughing matter,” saying multiple deaths and equally-serious crimes should not be taken lightly.

Remulla made this statement in response to suspended Congressman Arnulfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.’s alleged comment that his terror tag was “funny” and that the DOJ’s investigation, including the Senate hearings, was like a “circus.”

“The highest-ranked local official was killed in his own home while serving his constituents by highly trained gunmen recruited for that purpose. Was what happened to Gov. Degamo funny in any way?” Remulla asked.

He further stated that people were “terrorized” and “living in fear” until Teves was in legal custody. “We are guarding against that capability to wreak havoc and destruction on people’s lives,” he added.

During a Senate committee hearing investigating the assassination of Degamo, Remulla announced that the DOJ would seek to designate Teves as a “terrorist” under the Anti-Terror Law (ATL), in addition to criminal and administrative charges against him.

“Sec. Boying Remulla pointed out that the DOJ will initiate moves before the Court of Appeals (CA) for the proscription of suspended Congressman Arnie Teves as a ‘Terrorist’ pursuant to the Anti-Terror Law or Section 4 of RA (Republic Act) 11749,” said DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano in a message to reporters.

Clavano added that Teves’ alleged involvement in multiple murders, as well as the recruitment of gunmen and use of high-powered firearms, falls under the scope of ATL.

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Hector Lawas