THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday filed murder charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in connection with the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo and several others.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said 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 said during a chance interview.
When asked about the charges against Teves, the Justice chief “murder, multiple frustrated murder, multiple murder, and multiple attempted murder.”
Remulla also said they received information that Teves already possessed a plane ticket for his return to the Philippines.
“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 said.
But Teves described the report of his alleged imminent return to the country as fake news.
Teves told the state-run Radyo Pilipinas that : “The news of my return is fake. They should have asked me first before making such claims.”
According to Remulla, 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 emphasized the necessity for Teves to respond and submit his counter-affidavit. He said failure to do so could result in the prosecutors filing of the cases in court, potentially leading to an in absentia warrant.
Teves consistently denied any involvement in the killing of Degamo and has pledged to return to the Philippines “once the threat to his life is properly addressed.”
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