- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Pamplona town Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, welcomed the arrest of former Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. in Timor Leste.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Degamo and nine others in March 2023, and three others in 2019.
“Words cannot express how it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband surrounded by the police,” Mayor Degamo said in her social media account.
Teves was arrested by operatives of the International Police on Thursday, while playing at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili.
In a television interview, Degamo’s widow said that they have been praying hard for the day that he will be arrested.
“Praise God that he has been arrested. We are really happy about this development,“ she added.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that “you can run, but you cannot hide”.
Lacson said that the former lawmaker will now be allowed to defend himself in the proper forum.
Teves is now under the custody of the Timorese police while his extradition to the Philippines is being worked out by National Central Bureau (NCB)-Dili in coordination with the team from NCB-Manila and Dili Philippine Embassy.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said that the apprehension of Teves is a testament to the power of international cooperation.
“It sends a clear message that no terrorist can evade justice and that nations stand united in safeguarding the safety and security of their citizens,” Remulla added.
Teves must face his long-delayed trial “squarely” without setting any conditions, he further said.
He likewise thanked Philippine law enforcement teams and international partners for their relentless efforts in fighting lawlessness to achieving peace.
“The capture of Teves only proves that through concerted efforts and determination, terrorism can be thwarted and peace preserved,” Remulla said. | GB
