President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, May 29, announced that former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., who has been tagged as the mastermind in the murder of governor Roel Degamo, was deported from Timor-Leste and is now back in the Philippines.
“As we know the former congressman Arnie Teves is facing charges of murder and other crimes related to the ambush killing of the former (Negros Oriental) governor Degamo. We would like to assure all our citizens that such lawlessness will not go unpunished,” Marcos said in a video statement.
“It is now time for Arnie Teves to face justice,” Marcos said.
Marcos also thanked the leaders of Timor-Leste for sending Teves back to the Philippines.
Congresswoman-elect Janice Degamo (Neg. Or., 3rd District), the widow of Degamo, said the return of Teves “who was named by the gunmen as the mastermind behind the horrifying Pamplona massacre that claimed the life of my beloved husband, Governor Roel Degamo and nine others is a major step forward in our fight for truth and accountability”.
“This is not just about one man’s arrest. This is about standing up to a culture of impunity that for too long has persisted in our country. It’s about sending a message that no one is above the law and that evil will never triumph, “ she said.
Degamo’s widow thanked the President and his entire Cabinet for their support in the pursuit of justice.
“Their commitment has never faltered and today is proof that when government stands firm for what is right, justice prevails,” she said.
“Today, has been a truly emotional day for our family as we witness a powerful reminder that while justice may take time, it never forgets,” she added.
Now that Teves is in Philippine government custody, she prays “that countless others who have suffered at the hands of his Teves Terrorist Group will have the courage to come forward and share their stories”, she said.
“Today is the first day of a new Negros Oriental,” she added.*