Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said a flood of evidence in the sensational murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, which also resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians, would begin to surface following his burial.
Remulla said now that Degamo has been laid to rest, it is probable investigators could talk to many people who could reveal what has been really happening in Negros Oriental over the past few years.
He explained that it was customary to refrain from pushing individuals to provide information while the deceased was still lying in state as they were still in mourning.
He renewed his appeal to Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. to return home and face the charges against him.
Teves has been accused of multiple murders, with the Department of Justice implicating him in deaths that occurred in the province in 2019.
He is also being linked to the slaying of Degamo, which he has consistently denied.
Remulla reminded Teves of the legal adage, “flight is indicative of guilt.”
“We will consider this a case of flight if he does not return to the country,” he said.
Teves had said he was afraid for his safety and that of his loved ones, which is why he is reluctant to fly home despite numerous assurances.
Even House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s word is apparently not enough for him.
“We have the highest respect and esteem for Speaker Romualdez but, you know, the PNP assuring him (Degamo) of safety is kind of scary because this is the same PNP that we have accused (of violating) his rights. They served a warrant in a very irregular manner,” Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said.
Teves left the country on a personal trip to the United States from 28 February to 9 March.
He has sought a two-month extension of his leave, which Romualdez has denied.
Remulla assured Teves of fairness in the investigation into the death of Degamo and eight others in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, on 4 March.
“We will look into the facts we have gathered so that our fairness will not be questioned,” he said.
Remulla said he has yet to talk to Teves with whom he has a way to communicate with.
Teves and his brother, former Bayawan City Mayor Pryde Henry Teves, were linked to the death of Degamo after the arrested gunmen tagged a “Cong. Teves” as the mastermind behind the death of the governor.
Pryde Henry, who served as the third district representative of the province from 2007 to 2016, was proclaimed Negros Oriental governor after the May 2022 elections. He was unseated by the Supreme Court after Degamo questioned the integrity of the polls. @tribunephl_alvi @tribunephl_jom