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......»»
Teves, cohorts facing charges for Degamo slay; warrants out soon
Criminal charges have been filed against suspended Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. and four of his cohorts for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in an ambush attack in March. This was confirmed by Department of Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano in a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday. Clavano said murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder cases were filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court on 18 August while the warrant of arrest against Teves is expected to be out “in the next few days.” Teves was tagged as the mastermind of the crime against Degamo. “‘Yung Degamo case po ay na-i-file na rin po sa Manila. ‘Yun po ay nasa korte na rin at hinihintay na lang po natin ang (The Degamo case has already been filed in Manila. It’s in the court already and we are awaiting the issuance of a) warrant of arrest,” Clavano said, noting that similar criminal cases were already filed against eleven other suspects last July. In 2019, criminal charges were also filed before the Bayawan City RTC Branch against Teves and others due to the number of social injustices and killing incidents in Negros Oriental. Following the investigation of the brutal attack against Degamo and nine others in his residence in Pamplona town as well as other political killings in the province, the Anti-Terrorism Council recently designated Teves and 12 others as “terrorists.” Clavano said the DoJ is requesting the transfer of the trial venue in Manila. “Gusto natin na neutral ground ang magiging venue para sa kaso (We want the venue for the case to be in a neutral ground),” he said. The post Teves, cohorts facing charges for Degamo slay; warrants out soon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves,12 others tagged terrorists
The Anti-Terrorism Council or ATC has designated Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. as a terrorist for allegedly masterminding the assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo last 4 March, which also resulted in the deaths of nine others. The ATC named the congressman, who had gone into hiding, as the leader of the Teves Terrorist Group, which allegedly included as members his younger brother, Pryde Henry Teves, and purported bagman Marvin Miranda. Pryde was unseated by the Commission on Elections after a recount of the votes cast in the 2022 Negros Oriental gubernatorial election showed that Degamo had won. Degamo was killed in a commando-style attack at his residential compound in Pamplona town. The slain governor’s wife, Janice, is the mayor of Pamplona. The assault happened just weeks after the Supreme Court upheld the Comelec’s proclamation of Degamo as governor. Also tagged as terrorists were Nigel Electona, Tomasino Aledro, Rogelio Antipolo, Hannah Mae Oray, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr. and Jomarie Catubay. In a three-page resolution dated 26 July and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin that was released yesterday, the ATC said Pryde and Electona “provided material support” to Teves in furtherance of his alleged terrorist activities. “Investigation also revealed that Hannah Mae Sumero Oray handled the operational funds for the killings while Marvin H. Miranda acted as organizer and recruiter of personnel for specific terrorist attacks,” the ATC said. In April, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed the government’s intention to designate Teves as a terrorist, saying that his group’s alleged “activities that led to the killings are all covered by the Anti-Terror Law, [including] the recruitment, financing, purchase of firearms, and their distribution.” In hiding Teves has refused to come home after being located last in Timor-Leste, claiming his life was in danger. There was talk he was already in the Philippines under the protection of a former high government official. The House of Representatives had twice suspended Teves for refusing to heed Speaker Martin Romualdez’s plea to come home to face the charges against him. The Philippine National Police had filed a separate complaint against Teves before the Department of Justice last March over the alleged political killing of three other persons in Negros Oriental in 2019. A Degamo lawyer said the Teveses could be linked to as many as 60 killings in Negros Oriental. In reaction, Pryde said in a radio interview that his lawyers would appeal the ATC resolution. He expressed dismay that his right to travel and earn a livelihood would be affected by the order. Saying he would not leave Negros Oriental despite the tagging, the younger Teves said he would be the last to resort to terrorism because he had been a victim of violence. Meanwhile, Ferdinand Topacio, a lawyer of Congressman Teves, lambasted the ATC whose order, he said, demonstrated the government’s prejudgment of the case and “desperation” to take his client into custody. “Since day one of the Degamo killing, the government has mobilized all the resources at its disposal, starting with immediately tagging Teves as the mastermind thereof without investigation, conducting illegal searches on his properties, laying siege to his powers and prerogatives as a member of the House, embarking on a massive media campaign to discredit him and prejudice the minds of the public against him, among other things, all in an obsessive attempt to blame him for a crime at the expense of his constitutional rights,” Topacio said. Topacio questioned why the government had to use the ATC against Teves, in a case for which the Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020 was not “designed.” “The agencies of government, having eggs on their faces due to the recantation of all the key witnesses, the lack of evidence against Representative Teves, the public backlash against his obvious persecution, and the embarrassing failure of the authorities to bully him into returning to the country in spite of grave and serious threats to his life has expectedly weaponized the Anti-Terror Act by using it for the purpose for which it was not designed,” he said. When it was first floated that Teves would be tagged as a terrorist, he posted a video of himself wearing Muslim garb and laughing. The post Teves,12 others tagged terrorists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves seeks Degamo murder raps dismissal
The camp of embattled Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. on Monday filed a motion to dismiss the multiple murder complaints filed against him in relation to the murder case involving Governor Roel Degamo and several others. Teves’ legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio explained that the motion to dismiss was primarily based on the argument that there is an absence of probable cause and even a lack of “reasonable certainty of conviction” to hold his client responsible for the killings that occurred on 4 March. Topacio said they filed the motion to dismiss on the grounds that the arguments solely revolve around the absence or lack of probable cause, and if Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla complies with his change in quantum or standard before filing the case. He added that it should not only be probable cause, as it should also have reasonable certainty of conviction and they will demonstrate that there is no reasonable certainty of conviction, let alone probable cause. The key reasons that form the basis of the stance of Teves’ camp was highlighted by Topacio in defending the submission of the motion to dismiss which include the recantation of the suspect; the statements made by the suspects linking Teves to Degamo’s murder are hearsay and the suspects’ statements were given without the presence of their chosen legal counsel. Topacio said that even assuming that the recantation has no effect — even in their original statements — there is no strong evidence pointing to Teves as the mastermind behind Degamo’s killing. Meanwhile, Remulla announced on Monday that investigators have gathered independent evidence to hold accountable the individuals responsible for the assassination of Degamo and several others. This comes in light of some suspects retracting their previous statements. But Remulla refrained from divulging further details regarding the evidence, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation. “We possess various independent pieces of evidence. These details will be disclosed at a later stage,” Remulla said. The DoJ chief also downplayed the significance of the recantation made by the suspects involved in the killing Degamo, stressing that recantations are generally disapproved of and should not be taken as absolute truth. The post Teves seeks Degamo murder raps dismissal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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 camp pushes illegal firearms raps’ dismissal
The camp of suspended Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. has filed a petition to the Department of Justice on Friday to dismiss the criminal charges filed against the lawmaker and his sons Kurt Matthew and Axel in connection with the alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The embattled solon and his two sons were accused of violating Republic Act 10591 and RA 9516 for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives, respectively. The alleged firearms and explosives were seized by operatives from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group during the service of a search warrant in the legislator’s house in Bayawan City last 10 March. Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of the Teves family also urged the DoJ panel to be impartial despite the claim of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, which was based on the statement of arrested suspects, that the suspended legislator is “one of the masterminds” in the 4 March killings in Pamplona town where one of the victims was Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. Teves — who is still abroad as there are allegedly threats against his life — denied the allegations of the Justice secretary. To recall, the DoJ panel of prosecutors decided to submit for resolution the criminal charges lodged PNP-CIDG after the filing of the motions to dismiss during the hearing. The panel of prosecutors, according to Topacio has two months to resolve the charges, adding that the panel of prosecutors is time-bound under the 2017 DoJ Revised Manual for Prosecutors, which give 60 days to release the resolution of the case. “The complainants miserably failed to discharge their duty to establish probable cause against Teves Jr. as nothing has been shown to support his alleged constructive possession of any of the confiscated articles, much less of the premises where they were allegedly found,” said the petition. “There is no question on the fact that Respondent Teves Jr. was not present when and where the alleged search and seizure transpired. This is settled from the complaints and supporting affidavits and other documents attached thereto. Physical or actual possession of any of the subject firearms, ammunition and explosives on his part is, therefore, necessarily absent,” it added. The solon alleged that the firearms and explosives were illegal seized and should be inadmissible as evidence. Also, Teves alleged that the PNP violated the rules in implementing search warrants based on the joint affidavit of Barangay Captain Andrew Barte and Kagawad Ulysses Ilagan, who both served as police witnesses, as well as the affidavits issued by the staff of Teves who were present during the implementation of the search warrant and even took videos. The witnesses, according to Teves, disclosed that prior the presentation of the search warrant, members of the PNP’s Special Action Force were already there at the house and were seen carrying large bags. The embattled lawmaker also disclosed that the SAF team members — who are necessarily part of the team implementing the search warrant — broke and violated the most basic of statutes and rules that proscribe unreasonable searches and seizure. The post Teves camp pushes illegal firearms raps’ dismissal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
ATC tags Teves, 12 others as ‘terrorist’
The Anti-Terrorism Council designated Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. as a terrorist for allegedly masterminding the 4 March slaying of Gov. Roel Degamo and 9 others. Teves was also named by the ATC as the leader of the "Teves Terrorist Group." Aside from Teves the council also tagged 11 others as terrorists, including his younger brother and former governor Pryde Henry Teves, and his alleged bagman Marvin Miranda. The ATC also tagged as among those involved in the so-called terrorist group were Teves' former bodyguard Nigel Electona, Tomasino Aledro, Rogelio Antipolo, Hannah Mae Oray, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., and Jomarie Catubay. The ATC in its three-page resolution dated 26 July, said Rep. Teves was the alleged leader and mastermind of the group, while his brother and Electona "provided material support." "Investigation also reveals that Hannah Mae Sumero Oray handles the operational funds for the killings while Marvin H. Miranda acts as organizer and recruiter of personnel for specific terrorist attacks," the ATC said. With the designation, it ended a months-long process for the ATC to brand Teves as an alleged terrorist. The designation of Teves and his cohorts as terrorists was first disclosed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in April. Remulla said that Teves may be designated or proscribed as a terrorist. "In this case, the activities that led to the killing on 4 March all are covered under the anti-terror law: the recruitment, the financing, the purchase of firearms, the distribution of firearms," Remulla had said. The embattled Solon remains overseas and was last located in Timor-Leste, refusing to return to the Philippines due to purported threats to his life. He was suspended a second time due to his continued absence from his duties at the House of Representatives. The camp of Degamo had expressed support for the move to tag Teves as a terrorist, with lawyer Levito Baligod saying they had "concrete evidence" linking the embattled lawmaker to terror groups in Mindanao. The post ATC tags Teves, 12 others as ‘terrorist’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NBI submits more evidence in Degamo slay
The Department of Justice or DoJ said Tuesday the National Bureau of Investigation submitted additional evidence during the preliminary hearing on the murder complaints over the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others. Atty. Mico Clavano, DoJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson, said the additional evidence included pictures and videos that placed the accused at the scene of the crime in support of the testimonies they gave before they recanted. The additional evidence, Clavano said, will automatically support the original statements of the suspects. “Their recantations were just their statements being taken back. But to put them up against actual object evidence such as pictures and videos will be hard for them to defend. These are the additional pieces of evidence submitted,” he said. The NBI also submitted clearer copies of the evidence submitted earlier. The investigation was on the multiple murder complaints filed against suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and several others in the assassination of Degamo. To recall, accused Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora, Osmundo Rivero, Joven Javier and Rogelio Antipolo had virtually affirmed the recantation of their testimonies. In Monday’s probe, accused Winrich Isturis, Joric Labrador, Benjie Rodriguez, Eulogio, and John Louie Gonyon also virtually affirmed their recantations. Meanwhile, Clavano slammed the camp of the five accused who recanted on Monday for delaying the probe, saying that only the affidavits of recantation of Isturis and Labrador were originally signed. The notarized affidavits of the Gonyons and Rodriguez were not originally signed, he said. Clavano said the lawyers for the complainant-witnesses do not seem to take the case seriously as they submitted mere photocopies of their affidavits of recantation. The post NBI submits more evidence in Degamo slay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5 Degamo slay suspects formalize recantation
An additional five suspects in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo that also killed civilians have officially withdrawn their previous statements during the Department of Justice ongoing preliminary investigation into the slaying. This development brings the total number of detained suspects who have recanted their statements to 10. Atty. Andres Manuel, one of the defense counsels, said that suspects Benjie Rodriguez, Eulogio Gonyon, John Louie Gonyon, Winrich Isturis, and Joric Labrador confirmed their recantations via Zoom. “The five respondents submitted their sworn affidavits and affirmed their recantations before the panel through Zoom, and these statements were duly affirmed by all five individuals,” Manuel said. Last week, Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora, Osmundo Rivero, Joven Javier and Rogelio Antipolo also confirmed their recantations. The defense expressed satisfaction with the development, stating that it provides a foundation for challenging the multiple murder charges filed against suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. “As we have previously stated, we believe that our case, or this particular matter, is anchored on the statements of the 10 individuals who have recanted,” Manuel said. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had previously asserted that the mass recantation strengthens the case by indicating a conspiracy among the suspects. “It further substantiates our claims of a conspiracy,” Remulla said. To recall, Teves has expressed his intention to return to the country once his concerns regarding personal safety have been adequately addressed and has also consistently denied his involvement in the killing of Degamo. The post 5 Degamo slay suspects formalize recantation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla issues warning vs Teves camp on preliminaries
Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday revealed that they will be constrained to go to court if the lawyers of embattled Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. fail to attend the next preliminary investigation set 27 June. This comes after the Teves’ camp failed to attend the preliminary investigation last Tuesday. Remulla stressed that if the legal counsels of the solon could not take the process seriously, they might as well go to court if they do not respect the DoJ to conduct the preliminary investigation. The DoJ chief also said that Teves and his lawyers have “disrespected” the legal process when they failed to appear at the start of the preliminary investigation of the complaint against the lawmaker in the killings of Negros Oriental Governor Degamo and nine others on Tuesday. Meantime, Teves’ lead counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on Wednesday assured of their participation in the preliminary investigation of the criminal complaints filed against the suspended legislator being conducted by the DoJ. Topacio stressed that records will show that the counsels of the solon have consistently participated in all the preliminary investigations involving their client where subpoenas were properly served. “In fact, there have already been three cases so far where Mr. Teves’ counsels have appeared and have fully taken part in,” Topacio said. “Send us subpoenas properly and we will participate.” Topacio also called out Remulla and said: “If you think we have done anything wrong, then file cases against us and prove your case.” Remulla himself should file the cases and not “to delegate it to your subalterns as that would be cowardice,” Topacio said. The solon — who is still abroad and consistently denied the criminal charges filed against him, has been charged in the 2019 killings of three persons — provincial board member and former National Bureau of Investigation agent Miguel L. Dungog, Lester P. Bato and Pacito R. Libron. With other respondents, Teves has also been charged with multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder in the 4 March 2023 killings of 10 persons including Degamo and injuries sustained by 18 other persons in Pamplona town. Teves has been tagged as “one of the masterminds” in the Degamo slaying. The solon and his sons, Kurt Matthew and Axel, are also facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group as a result of the alleged seizure of firearms and explosives at his house in Bayawan City on 10 March 2023. During the 13 June preliminary investigation, only the detained suspects in the Degamo killing were presented since their lawyers did not also appear, thus they were represented by the Public Attorney’s Office. The post Remulla issues warning vs Teves camp on preliminaries appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Untrammelled injustice (3)
This columnist could not help wondering why despite the bossman of the prosecuting arm of the government repeating ad nauseam for several weeks that the Degamo slay had been solved with the arrest or surrender of the perpetrators capped by their sworn confessions, that police raids authorized by the court yielded alleged incriminating evidence and other circumstantial and “solid” evidence all pointing to Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. as the brains behind the killing, the government entity tasked to prosecute the suspects could not immediately file the criminal complaint against the named lawmaker. While it was evident that somebody was using the news agencies to trumpet the certain filing of the criminal case and sucking every juice it could squeeze from it for personal media mileage, the length of time it was taking to institute the case birthed the suspicion that something was holding the law enforcers from instituting it to determine the existence of probable cause. Finally the cat is out of the bag. The previous days witnessed the rapid succession of eleven suspects, after getting lawyers of their choice, recanting their original sworn statements confessing to the crime, citing their being subjected to intimidation and torture by the police that forced them to admit to their participation. Apparently, the government body had only the confessions of the suspects to sustain a formal indictment and they could have been probably unsure of their case should the affiants reverse themselves, hence they were sleuthing for other testimonial and documentary evidence to back up its premature and pompous claim that it was 100-percent sure that the case was solved and that Teves and “other masterminds” were behind the multiple murders. People cannot help entertaining the thought that DoJ’s self-aggrandizing and supercilious pre-judgmental conclusion on the guilt of Teves had to be validated by fabricated evidence because it had placed the cart ahead of the horse, hence the predicates must be tailored to the conclusion. That is one way of looking at the suspects recanting their sworn statements. If their claim is true that they were intimidated and coerced into admitting to the crime they had not committed, then there is logic in saying that they were precisely tortured so that their perjured confession and their pointing to others as their accomplices would tailor the narrative that Teves masterminded the murders. What the authors of this nebulous theory had not anticipated was the 180-degree turnaround of the suspects that threw a monkey wrench into what they thought would be a walk in the park in prosecuting Teves. They may have gotten wind of the impending somersault of the suspects and put on hold the filing of the case while they scoured and searched for the much needed proof to nail them. The pressure, however, to finally institute the case weighed down heavily, and since evidently they could no longer justify the extreme delay in the formal filing of the charge sheet, and there had been the unstoppable recantations of suspects, the embarrassed government official put on a brave face and with all the pretended braggadocio declared that the case against all the suspects will be filed on the basis of the recanted sworn statements. What!!!??? Listen to this, they will also simultaneously charge them with perjury!!! What!!!??? Either this is an attempt at clowning or it’s sheer idiocy. Take your pick. (To be continued) The post Untrammelled injustice (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Degamo Slay Case Answer raps, DoJ dares Teves
The Department of Justice has challenged suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves to answer the complaint for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder filed against him in the 4 March 2023 killing of Governor Roel Degamo and 10 persons. Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony D. Fadullon said a subpoena has been issued by a DoJ panel of prosecutors against Teves to answer the charges. Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Jane E. Sytat is the head of the panel of prosecutors that will handle the case. Fadullon, however, did not mention any deadline for Teves to file his counter-affidavit and the date of the start of the preliminary investigation. Earlier, Teves was slapped with a second 60-day suspension as a legislator, as he continued to return home despite the lapse of his travel authority on 9 March 2023 citing “security reasons.” The embattled solon has been tagged as “one of the masterminds” in the killing of Degamo, the deaths of nine other persons, and injuries sustained by 18 individuals. He has denied the allegations. He was reported to have applied for political asylum with the Timor-Leste government which denied his plea. He appealed the denial before Timor-Leste’s Supreme Court. It was not known, as of posting, the status of the appeal. The National Bureau of Investigation filed the criminal charges against Teves on 17 May 2023 in connection with the killings. Aside from Teves, also charged were Angelo V. Palagtiw, Neil Andrew Go, Capt. Lloyd Cruz Garcia, Nigel Electona, and a person identified only with the aliases “Gee-Ann” and “Jie-An,” allegedly a sister of Palagtiw. The suspects were charged with 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts attempted under the Revised Penal Code. Under the RPC, murder is a non-bailable offense and a heinous crime. The post Degamo Slay Case Answer raps, DoJ dares Teves appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla sees conspiracy in recantation by Degamo suspects
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said a conspiracy could be behind the consecutive recantations of testimony by the accused in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo. "It just shows, it just proves our case further that the conspiracy sticks and is there,” Remulla said. Osmundo Rivero was the first to recant his statement on Monday last week. The suspect denied knowledge of the murder ploy and its alleged masterminds, suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and Teves' former bodyguard Marvin Miranda. The recantation of Rivero was followed by co-accused Dahniel Lora, Romel Pattaguan and Rogelio Antipolo Jr., and two days later by Joven Javier. Accused Winrich Isturis, Eulogia Gonyon Jr., John Louie Gonyon, Joric Labrador and Benjie Rodriguez recanted their testimonies on Tuesday this week. Remulla said the suspects talked about different things in their affidavits but which matched at many points. The Department of Justice will submit as evidence the affidavits first executed by the accused even though they have recanted, he stressed. Remulla also accused Miranda’s legal counsel, Atty. Reynante Orceo, and the legal counsel of Lora, Pattaguan, Antipolo and Javier, Atty. Danny Villanueva, as behind the recantations of the accused. Miranda was previously accused by Remulla of supposedly "directing" other suspects to recant their testimonies. He warned that "we will ask the IBP [ Integrated Bar of the Philippines] to look into the matter." Remulla, though, said he would order an investigation into the suspects claim that they were tortured to implicate Teves in the crime. The DOJ Secretary also said a recent video of Teves reflected his state of mind and showed his lack of respect for the country and its institutions. Teves in the video said that Remulla had turned “crazy" and that the Justice Secretary should have applied for the movie industry and not the government. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives imposed another 60-day suspension without pay on Teves for his continued absence from the chamber. The solon has refused to fly back to the country, expressing fear for his safety. Degamo and nine others were killed on 4 March while several others were injured after an attack on the late governor’s home in Negros Oriental. The death toll later climbed to 10 when one of the seriously injured died at the hospital. Teves has repeatedly denied involvement in the killing. The post Remulla sees conspiracy in recantation by Degamo suspects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bato’ seeks death penalty vs political warlords
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is keen on the revival of the death penalty against politicians utilizing private armed groups as well as slapping heavy punishment on highly skilled uniformed personnel dismissed from the service working as private armies. This comes following the conduct of five hearings by the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee on Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and spate of killings in the province. “I think they should be because these politicians are the main masterminds of it. They should be included in death penalty. That’s correct, good suggestion,” said Dela Rosa when asked if the political warlords should get capital punishment. “Former members of security forces should also get heavier penalties especially when they use the training skills they acquired from the government, or particularly, from the Armed Forces, from the Philippine National Police — to victimize civilians. That must be a death penalty for them, we must not talk only about reclusion perpetua,” he added. The senator — who was a former Philippine National Police chief — stressed that he will immediately include these proposals in the soon-to-be-submitted committee report for possible adoption. “I will write the report and include these. I’m just waiting for the remaining affidavits from other resource persons,” said the lawmaker, adding that he will include in the committee report death that penalty recommendation will cover active and former AFP or PNP personnel engaged in private army activities. “You see, these people are very deadly. They will continue doing illegalities if they think they will not get the death punishment. They will accept money from politician x and carry out even criminalities. But if they know they will face the death penalty, then, they will slow down,” said Dela Rosa. The committee chair is also considering amending the Omnibus Election Code, specifically, the provision that will totally prohibit the entry of “nuisance candidates” in every electoral exercise -- which he cited as the root cause of the Degamo murder case. Dela Rosa is also eyeing the removal of authority by the local executives to choose or name the police provincial director and police regional director to be deployed within their jurisdiction as stated under the Local Government Code. He stressed that police provincial directors must be appointed by the PNP’s National Headquarters while choosing chiefs of police must be given to either the provincial or regional director of the PNP. The removal of authority from LCEs, he emphasized, will limit police officials being in debt of any politician so they can fulfill the PNP mandates “more independently.” “They can now snob bordering to illegal requests or illegal orders coming from these politicians. In that case, they can also enforce the law without fear to anyone,” Dela Rosa said. “PNP is a huge organization so they should be the ones to know the merit of the officers so they must call the deployment not politicians in the provinces.” Dela Rosa said it will also contribute to the professionalism among the PNP ranks as he disclosed the drafting of a PNP Reformation Bill giving additional powers to disciplining authorities such as the PNP chief or police regional and provincial directors to punish police personnel doing illegalities. “This is more likely a military law wherein commanders have the power to jail the violators among their ranks. I want to like that for the PNP,” said the senator. Dela Rosa said that the five hearings have initially established that neither the camps of Degamo nor Teves group came innocent in perpetrating violence in Negros Oriental as many testimonies were supported by evidence. However, he assessed that some narratives of resource persons were just character assassination. “Nobody can claim from both camps that they are absolutely clean. They are telling the truth, but sometimes, some testimonies are resulting in character assassination, there are two camps here trying to destroy each other,” said Dela Rosa. The post ‘Bato’ seeks death penalty vs political warlords appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CIDG nabs 6 suspects in missing cockfighters case
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Friday arrested six suspects in the case of missing 'sabungeros' (cockfighting enthusiasts) in Parañaque City, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Friday. According to CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the CIDG Region 4A arrested Julie Patidongan alias Dondon, Mark Carlo Zabala, Roberto Matillano Jr., Johnny Consolacion, Virgilio Bayog and Gleer Codilla at around 1:45 p.m. at Jackielou Village and Fortunata Village, both in Parañaque City, based on the arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Regional Trial Court NCJR Branch 40, Manila, dated 24 January 2023, with no bail recommended. Acorda said aside from the six suspects, two companions of the suspects identified as Melchor Neri and Victorino Diocoso were also arrested for obstruction of justice. “I hope that with the arrest of these suspects, those who were reportedly backing out as witnesses may reconsider their position, and I do believe the case is still strong. We have enough evidence to continue with the case,” Acorda said in a press briefing held at Camp Crame. Acorda said the CIDG created Special Investigation Task Group “Sabungero” on 24 January 2022 to focus on the reported missing sabungeros. Based on the agency's investigation, at least 34 sabungeros have been reported missing as of this date. “I would like to commend the CIDG for their unrelenting efforts that led to the arrest of the six suspects. We hope that their arrest will give assurance to the families that the PNP have not reneged on their commitment to pursue this case until justice is served,” said Acorda. The Department of Justice has offered a P6 million reward for any information on the arrest of the six suspects. Acorda said that because police officers are not allowed to receive rewards and this goes to the action agents, the informants who are instrumental in their arrest will receive the reward, with the hope that this will convince others to support the PNP in manhunt operations against other wanted persons. A separate case for kidnapping and serious illegal detention was also filed by CIDG in relation to the case of the missing master agent of online "sabong" Ricardo Lasco, who was reportedly abducted on 30 August 2021 in San Pablo, Laguna. So far, the criminal complaints filed by the CIDG in the Manila Arena case and the case of Lasco have been found by the courts to have probable cause, resulting in the indictment of respondents through the issuance of arrest warrants. The post CIDG nabs 6 suspects in missing cockfighters case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TGP’s Teves off the hook
The Anti-Terrorism Council clarified on Thursday that Talino at Galing ng Pinoy Partylist Representative Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. is not included among those who have been designated as terrorists with Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. In a statement released by the Department of Justice, the ATC stated that TGP’s Teves is not affiliated with or a member of the Teves Terrorist Group. “The decision, which is based on reliable intelligence, exclusively pertains to Mr. Arnolfo Teves Jr. and Mr. Henry Pryde Teves. There is no link to Congressman Jose ‘Bong’ Teves Jr. of the TGP Partylist,” said the ATC in a statement. From Catanduanes in the Bicol Region, “Bong” Teves conveyed in a privilege speech last March. “Our family from the province of Catanduanes, Bicol Region, has no involvement or connection with the issue of the attack against Governor Degamo of Negros Oriental,” Teves said. To recall, the ATC labeled the embattled Negros Oriental Third District representative and 12 others as terrorists due to their alleged involvement in multiple provincial killings and acts of harassment. The ATC Resolution 43 dated 26 July said that they were accused of committing various terrorist acts, including planning, training, preparing and facilitating terrorism, as well as recruiting and being members of a terrorist organization, and providing logistical support to terrorists. Those who were identified as terrorists under the Anti-Terrorism Act were Arnie Teves, Pryde Henry A. Teves, Marvin H. Miranda, Rogelio C. Antipolo, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich B. Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Daniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Tomasino Aledro, Nigel Electona, Jomarie Catubay and Hannah Mae Sumero Oray. The expelled congressman has been implicated as the mastermind behind the high-profile killing of Governor Roel Degamo and several others. The post TGP’s Teves off the hook appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2019 Negros killings: Teves to face raps
State prosecutors have found sufficient evidence to file multiple murder charges against suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. in connection with the killing of three persons in the province in 2019, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday......»»
Wiping out private armies?
Our otherwise contented political class is definitely on edge with the terrorist branding of suspended Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. While the innovative terrorist branding seemingly solely targets mainstream politician Mr. Teves, the branding is actually also a live political grenade thrown right onto the laps of the mainstream political class. Mr. Teves’s case is the first time an elected official is officially designated a terrorist by the nascent Anti-Terrorism Council or ATC. Previously, the ATC consistently tacked terrorist tags on red-tagged activist groups and armed extremist groups. But obviously, now it’s on the right side of the political spectrum. As a matter of course, Mr. Teves — the suspected mastermind in the March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo — is vehemently contesting the terrorist tag and is trying to reverse it. Anyway, we don’t see yet any telltale signs of mainstream politicians taking serious notice of the terrorist branding, much less starting to scamper for cover. But they will certainly have to. Without a doubt, the unfamiliar use of the anti-terror law complicates matters for politicians, particularly provincial-based pols who maintain private armed groups to ensure their political dominance. And, going by how it describes its intention, the ATC is clearly going after private armed groups. “The tragic incident on 4 March 2023, which claimed several lives and left many others injured, is a stark reminder of the threat posed by private armed groups within our country,” the ATC said in its resolution. ATC’s move also comes after Mr. Marcos Jr., in the wake of Degamo’s killing, ordered the dismantling of “private armies.” Mr. Marcos Jr.’s order shouldn’t be surprising. He actually has no choice but to interdict. Otherwise, he violates the Constitution. The 1987 Constitution provides in Article XVIII, Section 24 that “private armies and other armed groups not recognized by duly constituted authority shall be dismantled.” Private armed groups, of course, had long been an ugly blight on our electoral politics, not only on violence-prone Negros Island. In fact, because of private armies, politicians from North to South, both historically and at present, have been paying a deadly price, with probably 100 politicians killed every year. And in most cases, says a 2022 study, “the principals ordering the killings are not investigated, remain in the shadows and enjoy almost complete impunity. As a result, in the vast majority of cases, it cannot be proven who actually ordered the killings.” Such impunities have, of course, morphed into a violent “culture of fear” all over the country. A point ATC emphasizes in its Teves resolution: “The numerous killings and harassments in Negros Oriental which culminated in the assassination of Gov. Degamo must not be taken as isolated and random incidents of violence. A closer evaluation of these killings and harassments have an unmistakable pattern of a rather organized and orchestrated action. These killings and harassments are meticulously and deliberately planned and executed for the purpose of intimidating the residents of Negros Oriental as well as to create an atmosphere or spread a message of fear.” Despite these substantial political issues, no law — oddly enough despite repeated attempts — has been enacted to penalize private armies and other armed groups, which the Philippine National Police says numbered some 155 in 2021. Of that number, police say they consider almost half as “highly active.” Clearly, something sweeping needs to be done against private armed groups to dramatically change the political landscape. Inadvertently, the Teves camp decries the “weaponization” of the Anti-Terror Act, claiming that the government is using it “for the purpose for which it was not designed.” Yet, a private army is unquestionably designed for terror. This fact leaves us with one provocative question: If this government had accidentally found a powerful weapon, does this mean now this government is bold enough to totally wipe out all entrenched private armies? The post Wiping out private armies? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves eyes remedies for terror designation
Available remedies are being eyed by the camp of suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. after the Anti-Terrorism Council or ATC designated the lawmaker as a terrorist. Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, counsel of Teves, said they had expected the designation as it was mentioned earlier by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. “On our part, we were just waiting for a formal declaration by the ATC so we can file the appropriate remedies, either administrative or court,” Topacio said. On 26 July, ATC Resolution Number 43 was approved and was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin designating Teves, his brother former governor Pryde Henry Teves, and 11 others as terrorists over several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental. The ATC said their violations included committing terrorism; planning, training, preparing, and facilitating the commission of terrorism; recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization; and providing material support to terrorists. With the designation, the Anti-Money Laundering Council froze Representative Teves’ assets. “The Anti-Money Laundering Council’s issuance of a freeze order was based on the Anti-Terrorism Act’s Section 25 in relation to Section 36,” AMLC legal officer Luis Anthony Warren said at a Palace press briefing. He added: “Upon the designation of an individual or organization, it is ministerial upon the part of the Anti-Money Laundering Council to issue an ex parte order to freeze without delay the assets of the subjects in this case. So, that’s all.” Topacio said their camp had no knowledge yet of the matter but that they would have remedies for it under the law. The solon was tagged as the mastermind of the assassination of the late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on 4 March which also left nine others dead and several wounded. Degamo’s widow, Pamplona town Mayor Janice Degamo, said the designation of Teves as a terrorist gave hope and a sense of security to the people of Negros Oriental and it vindicated the victims who had given their testimonies. Light at the end of tunnel She said they are seeing the light at the end of a dark tunnel, and this will have a ripple effect. Meanwhile, DoJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson, Atty. Mico Clavano, yesterday said all the assets, including bank deposits, of Rep. Teves, his brother Henry, and the 11 other persons designated as terrorists are expected to be frozen within the week. Clavano said this type of process is meant to be quick “precisely because we want to prevent the dissipation of assets.” Also designated terrorists, aside from the Teves brothers, were Marvin H. Miranda, Rogelio C. Antipolo, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich B. Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Tomasino Aledro, Nigel Electona, Jomarie Catubay and Hannah Mae Sumero Oray. Clavano, who is also the ATC deputy spokesperson, said the council will issue a Sanction Freeze Order or SFO to banks relative to all assets of the designees. The post Teves eyes remedies for terror designation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOJ: Teves a terrorist but not a fugitive
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has not yet issued a warrant of arrest to the suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. despite the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) labeling the congressman as a "terrorist." In a Malacañang press briefing, DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said Teves is not yet considered a fugitive for the congressman to be considered an outlaw or a person running from the law. "(Teves) is not considered a fugitive, as this is separate and distinct from a criminal action. It is only when you are issued a warrant of arrest that you become a fugitive or your status becomes a fugitive," Clavano explained. "Right now, he is a terrorist, but that's as far as he goes," Clavano added. However, Clavano did not mention the government's next step against Teves and 11 others allegedly tagged in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and other political killings in the province. In the same briefing, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said the terrorist tag would allow them to freeze the assets of Teves and other parties. "The (AMLC's) issuance of a freeze order is based under the ATA (Anti-Terror Act) Section 25 in relation to Section 36. So upon the designation of an individual or an organization, it is ministerial on the part of the AMLC, to issue an ex parte order to freeze without delay the assets of the subjects in this case," AMLC's Atty. Luis Warren said. Teves hasn't been in the country since February. He won't come back to face the multiple murder charges against him because he fears for his safety. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said earlier that Teves was in Timor-Leste in May 2023, where he reportedly asked for political asylum. Teves's lawyers have said more than once that Teves had nothing to do with Degamo's death. At the moment, 11 of the suspected gunmen are under police arrest. Ten of the suspected gunmen have returned to what they said at first, saying that they were involved. Teves has been named as the mastermind. The post DOJ: Teves a terrorist but not a fugitive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»