THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file formal charges next week against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. over the killing of provincial governor Roel Degamo and eight other civilians on March 4.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the NBI will file multiple murder and frustrated murder complaints against Teves, who has not returned from his trip abroad.
“We’re looking at next week as the time for the filing of cases by NBI here at the DOJ, so we can already send Congressman Teves a notice. We will send a notice at his last known address after certification from the Immigration that he has not returned. So, we will send it to his last known address and his place of work so we have a constructive notice for him,” he told reporters.
Earlier, government prosecutors have indicted six persons tagged in the murder of Degamo.
The filing of raps was after probable cause was established against the accused during inquest proceedings. They will be charged with nine counts of murder in relation to the deaths of Degamo and eight other persons.
The six suspects will also face 13 counts of frustrated murder and three counts of attempted murder.
Just recently, four of the 10 suspects who surrendered appeared before the DOJ and waived their right to file counter-affidavits.
Attorney Levi Baligod, counsel of Pamplona town Mayor Janice Degamo and other victims, said the DOJ will indict the four suspects following their waiver to submit counter-affidavits.
Teves has denied involvement in Degamo’s murder and has not returned from his trip abroad.
He said he will come back “once the threat to his life is dealt with accordingly.”
