Solon faces multiple murder raps with DOJ

NEGROS Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has denied reports suggesting his imminent return to the country, dismissing them as “fake news.”

In an interview with state-run Radyo Pilipinas, Teves stated, “The news of my return is fake. They should have asked me first before making such claims.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, when asked for comment, suggested that Teves’ continued refusal to come back indicates his guilt.

“If he’s not coming back, why? He already has a ticket. It means he’s evading the charges. His flight is an indication of guilt,” Remulla stated during a chance interview.

During a hastily-arranged press briefing on Tuesday evening, Remulla, citing a credible source familiar with flight operations, disclosed that Teves would be returning to the country on Wednesday, May 17.

“My reliable source, who has access to flight data, has provided this information. He has a proven track record of accurately tracking arrivals and departures,” Remulla said.

Remulla emphasized the difficulties Teves faces in evading capture, considering the Interpol Notice against him and his growing reputation as “a potential subject for terrorist designation” among ASEAN countries.

“Teves is finding it increasingly challenging to move around… That’s why he will be returning,” Remulla asserted.

Teves recently had his political asylum application rejected by the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste.

He has consistently denied any involvement in the killings and has vowed to return to the Philippines “once the threat to his life is properly addressed.”

In a related development, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) lodged several complaints, including multiple murder charges, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday against the Negros Oriental solon in relation to the killings of provincial governor Roel Degamo and several others.

At present, journalists covering the Justice beat are still waiting to obtain copies of the complaints.

However, Remulla confirmed to reporters that NBI Director Medardo de Lemos, along with his team, has submitted the complaints to a panel of prosecutors.

“It’s ongoing. The NBI is already here. I was informed by Director De Lemos that they are coming over to file the complaint. I believe the panel of prosecutors has been convened to receive the complaints,” Remulla stated during a chance interview.

When asked about the charges against Teves, Remulla mentioned, “Murder, multiple frustrated murder, multiple murder, and multiple attempted murder.”

In the meantime, Remulla shared information he received from sources stating that Teves already possessed a plane ticket for his return to the Philippines.

This revelation followed reports where Teves allegedly referred to his planned homecoming as false news.

“We were informed that he already has a ticket. We have sources that keep us informed about his movements. We wouldn’t release this information without reasonable grounds to believe that something may happen or is likely to happen. We rely on our sources to provide us with accurate facts,” Remulla commented.

Remulla, a former legislator who joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet, emphasized the necessity for Teves to respond and submit his counter-affidavit.

Failure to do so could result in the prosecutors filing the cases in court, potentially leading to an in absentia warrant.