MANILA: Suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is among those being considered as mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday.
In an ambush interview, Remulla said it is possible that there are two to three masterminds in the killing, and that “[t]hey can be contacted.”
“They can be contacted, I think. There’s always social media. Meron namang social media diyan. Meron nga yung isa parang nag text sa akin. I told you about it last week. Congressman Teves texted me,” Remulla said when asked if the supposed masterminds are within reach by investigators.
“I think they’re considered — they’re being considered as masterminds, but I don’t know yet,” he added.
“I have to get into the panel of prosecutors. But right now, the way it is progressing, that’s the direction we’re heading.”
Degamo and eight others were killed while several others were injured after an attack at the governor’s home in Negros Oriental on March 4 while he was distributing aid to his constituents.
Last week, Remulla said Teves, who is out of the country, has reached out to him through a text message. He said he did not respond to the text as he received the message after finding out that four more suspects in the killing of Degamo have surrendered.
GMA News Online has reached out to Teves’ legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, for his comment, but he has yet to respond as of posting time.
In a previous interview, however, Topacio said there is no direct evidence linking Teves to the killing of Degamo.
Teves, who refuses to return to the country due to fears for his safety, aearlier denied involvement in the killing of Degamo. He also appealed for authorities’ “fairness” and for investigators to look at all angles in Degamo’s killing.
Topacio earlier said Teves is ready to face the allegations of murder against him.
Arrested suspects in the killing have earlier pointed to a certain “Cong Teves” as the one who allegedly ordered the hit on Degamo.
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