‘Teves’ suspension nothing to do with Degamo slay’
It was his defiance of his fellow lawmakers’ call for him to return to the country and show up for work that “warranted” the 60-day suspension of Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolofo Teves Jr., according to a colleague in the House of Representatives......»»
Another Degamo slay suspect recants statement
The case of the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo has took another controversial turn as another suspect in the killing has recanted his statements, particularly the alleged involvement of suspended Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. Just like four other fellow dismissed soldiers who have taken back their testimonies, the suspect identified as Joven Javier denied knowledge of the 4 March, saying that he was merely forced to admit participation. “We have also informed the court that his life is in danger as there is a plot to have him killed,” defense counsel Danny Villanueva said in an interview. He said they will be filing a habeas corpus suit to question Javier’s continued detention. “Mr. Javier was qualified to be a state witness against others who are being pointed to as responsible for the Pamplona massacre. That is the reason why up to this time no case has been filed against Mr. Javier,” Villanueva said in a television interview. Javier was a sergeant with the Philippine Army’s counterterrorism unit Light Reaction Regiment and was regarded absent without leave in 2018. He was among the first suspects brought from Negros Oriental to Manila for their safety. Fellow suspects Jhudiel Rivero, Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora and Rogelio Antipolo Jr. have all recanted and gave similar narratives of coercion on the part of the government. In his recantation confirmed on Monday by counsel Harold Montalbo, Rivero (a.k.a. Osmundo Rivero) claimed the police coerced him to admit his involvement and that he does not know Teves , the alleged mastermind. Three counts of murder and frustrated murder cases have been filed before the Tanjay, Negros Oriental Regional Trial Court against Javier, Rivero, Joric Labrador, Benjie Rodriguez and 12 other John Does. Meantime, the Department of Justice remains confident that they still have a strong case at hand even if suspects retracted one after the other as it added that the plan to transfer the suspects to the PNP Headquarters at Camp Crame will still push through. The post Another Degamo slay suspect recants statement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves could be behind Degamo slay suspects’ recantations – DOJ
The Department of Justice believes that suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. could be behind the sudden recantation of statements by the gunmen accused of killing governor Roel Degamo and nine others last March......»»
Teves hand in retraction ‘possible,’ says Clavano
A Department of Justice official did not discount the possibility the camp of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. had something to do with suspects in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo recanting their statements. “It’s very possible. We’re looking at many angles here, that’s why we need to be very careful with our witnesses,” DoJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said. Clavano cited the alleged attempt of a former DoJ undersecretary to talk to the witnesses at the National Bureau of Investigation. Levito Baligod, the counsel of the Degamo family, disclosed that the former official tried to bribe detained suspects to clam up. Clavano said they are eyeing the transfer of the suspects to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. He said there is no current official of the DoJ involved in the alleged manipulation of suspects in the slaying of Degamo and nine others on 4 March. The DoJ official also denied the allegation of Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo that “someone at the agency” may be manipulating the suspects into recanting their extra-judicial confessions in connection with the killing of her husband. In an interview with reporters via Zoom, Clavano assured that the police officers and agents of the NBI assigned in the case build-up are among “the best of the best.” “I think the statement of Mayor Degamo was out of emotion and we hope that the credibility of the DoJ is preserved in this case and for the country,” Clavano said. On Monday, Osmundo Rivero, one of the suspects in the Degamo slay case, recanted his affidavits tagging Teves Jr. and his former bodyguard Marvin Miranda as the masterminds. Rivero claimed that police investigators tortured and coerced him into admitting his participation in the crime. Through his counsel, Danny Villanueva, Rivero also filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the Regional Trial Court of Manila seeking to compel Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and NBI director Medardo de Lemos to present his wife Queenie Rivero, his two-year-old son Jophiel and 15-year-old stepson Christian. Rivero said he received information that his wife and two sons were taken from their house by a team of soldiers from the Philippine Army together with members of the Municipal Police Station of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur. He claimed his family was taken to the Office of the Provincial Police in Camp Aberlon, Pagadian City before they were turned over to the NBI. But the DoJ said Rivero’s family has been placed under the Witness Protection Program after he initially agreed to cooperate with authorities. Villanueva, on the other hand, said three more suspects identified as Rommel Pattaguan, Rogelio Antipolo Jr., and Dahniel Lora have recanted their previous statements linking Teves to the gruesome crime. Clavano denied the torture claims made by the suspects. “As far as our intelligence goes, no such thing happened. We are very careful in handling these suspects because we believe they are also victims in this case,” he said. The post Teves hand in retraction ‘possible,’ says Clavano appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alleging torture, Degamo slay suspect recants testimony vs Arnie Teves
The suspect, who was among the first arrested in the case, also said he was forced to point to suspended Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (Negros Oriental) as the one behind the assassination......»»
Raps vs Teves over Degamo slay under review as witnesses lawyer up
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla admitted there has been a delay in their filing because witness-suspects have “lawyered up” and have since refused cooperation with authorities......»»
PBBM may bring up Teves issue with E. Timor counterpart, says Romualdez
INDONESIA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the denial of Rep. Arnolfo Teves’ asylum application may be tackled in the upcoming bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak in the 42nd ASEAN Summit and related meetings here. Romualdez made the statement after the Department of Justice said Teves was in Timor-Leste and had applied "for a protection visa with the intent of asylum." The Southeast Asian nation, however, has rejected his application and ordered him to leave the country in five days since Teves has been tagged as the alleged mastermind in the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. In an interview with the reporters, the House Speaker believed Marcos was equally concerned about Teves' situation. "We are also interested in the developments and his current situation in Timor Leste. From what we know, he applied for political asylum, which was denied yesterday. We have confirmed this information tonight (Wednesday)," he said. However, Romualdez clarified that he was still determining if the President had conversations about this matter on the sidelines. When asked if the President will ask the head of Timor Leste to "produce" Teves or ask him to come back to the Philippines, Romualdez said: "Well, I don't know if he will ask to produce him because he's already in Timor Leste and we are aware of that." Romualdez also clarified that the President would not ask Timor Leste to bring Teves back to the Philippines because there is no extradition treaty between the two countries. Instead, Teves has less than a week to leave Timor Leste. The House Speaker also said there are three options for the congressman: To return to the Philippines and face the charges against him; continue defying orders and face further sanctions; or move to another country. He urged Teves to return home and face justice, adding that the rights and privileges of a congressman are not meant to be used to evade justice. “So Cong. Arnie Teves, umuwi ka na (go home) and face the music and let the justice take its course,” Romualdez said. In a separate statement, Romualdez warned Teves that "another possible disciplinary action" may be imposed against him if he refuses to return to the Philippines after his 60-day suspension. The House Speaker also called on Teves anew to "return home immediately and face the accusation against him" instead of evading investigation in the Philippines." "Should Cong. Arnie continues to defy the return to work order after the lapse of the 60-day period of his suspension, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges may be constrained to reconvene and consider another possible disciplinary action against him," Romualdez said. "This is our recourse in order to preserve the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives," he added. The post PBBM may bring up Teves issue with E. Timor counterpart, says Romualdez appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LIVE: Senate panel continues inquiry on Degamo slay
More witnesses are expected to give their testimonies against suspended Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. during Wednesday's hearing......»»
Raps vs Teves over Degamo slay filed next week
Criminal charges against Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. over the March 4 attack that killed governor Roel Degamo and eight others are expected to be filed next week by the National Bureau of Investigation, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday......»»
Fugitive Teves claims ‘persecution’
Suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves claimed that the military and police raided one of his properties in Bayawan City without a search warrant. “This is real persecution already. This is too much. It’s not right anymore. It’s wrong. The trampling on human rights is too much. Shouldn’t you have freedom and peace in your home and community? Now it’s gone,” he said in Filipino in a press briefing conducted remotely yesterday. Teves is a suspect in the 4 March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. One of Teves’ lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio, said his client is being subjected to “harassment” as government forces also raided a poultry farm that Teves owns in Bayawan even during the celebration of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan on Friday. Approximately 15 short and high-powered firearms, explosives, and ammunition were found during the initial raid on Teves’ property and two other homes allegedly owned by his relatives on 10 March. Teves’ camp decried as illegal the raid on his properties by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on 25 March. The authorities have linked his younger brother, former governor Pryde Henry Teves, to the killing of Degamo. The embattled lawmaker talked with the media through his Facebook page, where he said he hoped the raiders did not plant evidence. Teves also sought the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to stop government agents from raiding his properties without a search warrant. The President, however, had refused to be drawn into Teves’ problems, saying the legislator should just return home to face the charges. Suspension from House His plea to Marcos came days after he revealed in an interview that he had also sought the help of a colleague in returning home after he had insisted on remaining abroad because he did not feel safe. Last 22 March, the President urged the embattled lawmaker to return to the country, assuring him of tight security upon arrival. Teves is also facing charges over loose firearms and a series of killings in the province in 2019. He has been out of the country since 28 February and his failure to return home to perform his congressional duties and face the allegations leveled against him prompted his two-month suspension by the House ethics panel. PDP, Beijing party solidify ties The meeting was aimed at strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between China and the Philippines. Members of the major political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP Laban yesterday met with their counterparts in the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China or IDCPC at the Sheraton Hotel in Pasay City. Former president and PDP Laban chairman Rodrigo Duterte joined the meeting via Zoom, along with vice chairman Alfonso Cusi, Senator Robinhood Padilla, Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Secretary General Melvin Matibag, and the party’s Council of Elders and national executive committee. The meeting was aimed at strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between China and the Philippines. The party leaders and the IDCPC delegation, led by the Director-General of the Asian Bureau Peng Xiubin, discussed methods for strengthening their relationship. Given his high approval rating of over 80 percent even upon his retirement, the conference was significant because former President Duterte’s influence within the party could affect its future direction. In addition, the meeting highlighted the growing relationship between the Philippines and China, as both countries have made efforts in recent years to strengthen trade and investment ties. China has made significant contributions to infrastructure and exchange programs in the cultural and educational realms. The Philippines’ strategic location and swiftly expanding economy in Southeast Asia make it a key player in the region. Therefore, establishing strong alliances with other nations, particularly China, is crucial for its future growth and development. The meeting signified a turning point in Philippine politics. It emphasizes the importance of international relations and political parties working together to influence the country’s future, as well as in the strengthening of “people-to-people” ties. The post Fugitive Teves claims ‘persecution’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves leaves extension plea to Romualdez
Suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnies Teves will leave it to the hands of Speaker Martin Romualdez whether to file a leave extension once his two-month suspension expires. “About the two-month suspension, please ask speaker Romualdez,” said the embattled lawmaker during his hybrid press con yesterday. “I will continue to appeal for what is right. Actually, I don’t need to file a leave of absence. I only did that because they insisted.” Teves was slapped with a 60-day suspension after his 292 peers in the House voted in favor of the sanction. The move was prompted by his failure to adhere to the ethics panel’s 24-hour ultimatum and his continued defiance of the Speaker’s marching orders to report to work, perform his duties, and face the allegations leveled against him. Teves is being implicated in the murder of his political foe, Governor Roel Degamo, and eight others, who were gunned down in his home in broad daylight last 4 March. The suspended lawmaker also faces complaints over loose firearms and a series of killings in the province in 2019. Foul Teves cried foul over him being considered absent — that later resulted in suspension — despite attending the legislative proceedings via teleconference, which he lamented was permitted by Congress. “Bakit biglang si Arnie bawal? Para lang madiin ako?” he stressed. But the congressman did not rule out the possibility of communicating with Romualdez, to whom he claimed he had been reaching out the entire time, despite receiving no response. Teves, who was allowed a medical leave from the House from 28 February to 9 March 2023, had asked Romualdez for a two-month extension of his authority to travel, which the House chief thumbed down. But despite the Speaker’s adamant order, Teves remained headstrong to stay abroad, citing security concerns, notwithstanding his expired travel clearance. The congressman, who reportedly left the US, contented that his failure to return to the country was not due to guilt but anchored in “very grave and serious security threats” to his life. The post Teves leaves extension plea to Romualdez appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kaso vs Teves sa Degamo slay malapit nang isampa
MANILA, Philippines – Inanunsyo ng Department of Justice (DOJ) nitong Miyerkules na isasampa na nila ang kaso laban sa suspindidong Negros Oriental Representative na si Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. kaugnay ng pagpatay kay Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. Ayon kay Justice spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, malapit na silang magsampa ng kaso dahil may matibay […] The post Kaso vs Teves sa Degamo slay malapit nang isampa appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Teves’ bodyguard a ‘co-mastermind’ in Degamo slay, says gov’t task force
Justice Secretary Boying Remulla says he believes Marvin Miranda, a military reservist, got his instructions from Teves himself.....»»
Kampo ni Teves handa sakaling kasuhan sa Degamo slay
MANILA, Philippines- Inihayag ng kamo ni suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. nitong Martes na handa silang harapin ang posibleng kaso laban sa mambabatas kaugnay ng pagpatay kay Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. “Notwithstanding the protestations and the artifices of our officials that they are trying to be impartial by using the words […] The post Kampo ni Teves handa sakaling kasuhan sa Degamo slay appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Remulla: Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. ‘being considered’ as among masterminds in Degamo slay
MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arni” Teves Jr. is “being considered” as one of the masterminds in the March 4 killing of Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others. At a press conference, Remulla said they are currently looking at two to three masterminds. “They can […] The post Remulla: Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. ‘being considered’ as among masterminds in Degamo slay appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Remulla: Teves being considered as potential mastermind in Degamo slay
Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (Negros Oriental) could be one of the masterminds in the brazen killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, where eight others were killed and more than a dozen were injured, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said......»»
After Teves hurls conspiracies, Marcos tells him to just return and face Degamo slay allegations
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Marcos said that the government has asked Teves to return to the country to face allegations of his involvement in the killing of his political rival and not because of gambling......»»
PNP: CIDG has ‘strong evidence’ of Teves’ involvement in Degamo slay case, 2019 killings
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed on Saturday that its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has “strong evidence” that Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. and several others were involved in Gov. Roel Degamo’s assassination and three other murder cases in 2019. The police statement came after the Department of Justice’s […] The post PNP: CIDG has ‘strong evidence’ of Teves’ involvement in Degamo slay case, 2019 killings appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Rep. Teves, tagged in Degamo slay, urged to return from travel, address allegations
House Speaker Martin Romualdez has called on Rep. Arnolfo Teves (Negros Oriental, 3rd District) to return to the Philippines after his travel clearance for a trip to the United States expired after March 9......»»
More Degamo slay suspects expected to recant
Expect more of the alleged gunmen implicated in the bloody attack last March 4 that ended the lives of then Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others to recant their sworn admission to the crime, defense lawyer Danny Villanueva said......»»
Teves blasts House over Arroyo demotion
Negros Oriental Rep. Arnies Teves lashed out at the leadership of the House of Representatives anew, this time saying the chamber was rude in its decision to demote Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Teves, who has been tagged by authorities for alleged involvement in the Degamo murder case and remains abroad, protested that Arroyo was "very qualified" for the role. "For me, what they did was rude. [She's a ] former president, her work is great, then you will demote her? It's not good. For me, there is no respect for fellow congressmen, especially for people of very high morale, very esteemed persons. I really felt bad about that," he said. Last week, Arroyo was demoted from senior deputy speaker to deputy speaker and was replaced in her previous post by Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., amid talks that Arroyo was plotting to oust Romualdez from the Speakership. Arroyo, in a subsequent statement, said she had no intention of succeeding Romualdez and that she respects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s choice to support his cousin as leader of the House. Teves said he is not returning home to physically attend the House ethics panel motu proporio on Monday, citing serious threats to his life. "Why won't they allow me to attend via Zoom?," he demanded. "Why are other congressmen allowed to attend via Zoom? In fact, I have screenshots of recent meetings, sessions and hearings showing that other congressmen were joining via video teleconferencing. How come they were allowed and I'm not?" Teves had earlier complained that he was considered absent by the House despite attending legislative proceedings via teleconference, which he said was permitted by Congress. However, the ethics panel's chairperson, Felimon Espares, pointed out that Teves "was deemed absent because his travel clearance was unauthorized. When you are absent, you cannot participate in all the affairs here in the House." Teves is being implicated in the murder of his political foe, Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, and eight others, who were gunned down on 4 March in the governor's residence in Negros Oriental. The post Teves blasts House over Arroyo demotion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»