The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now coordinating with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in connection with the murder charges leveled against former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Anulfo “Arnie” Teves.
This, after a Manila Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant against the former solon in connection with the brazen killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and 10 other people during a broad daylight attack in Pamplona town on March 4 this year.
PNP chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said coordination is also being made with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies since there were confirmed reports that he is out of the country.
“We all know that he is out of the country and that is one of the challenges we are facing, especially that the Philippines has no extradition treaty in the area where he is reported to be staying,” said Fajardo.
Right now, Fajardo said their focus is on the other co-accused of Teves.
“We already created tracker teams to run after his co-accused. Our personnel in Region 7 and the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) are pursuing and exerting best efforts to locate the whereabouts of the co-accused,” said Fajardo.
At least 11 other people were charged with murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder after the gun attack on Degamo right inside the compound of his residence.
While Teves has repeatedly denied that he orchestrated the killing of Degamo, the Department of Justice pursued the case against him based on the result of the investigation.
Citing latest reports they have been receiving, Fajardo said Teves is in Timor Leste where he was allegedly applying for political asylum.
“That is one of the countries we are looking at but I understand we have no extradition in this country but this should not stop us from pursuing other legal avenues to implement this warrant of arrest against Teves and other co-accused,” said Fajardo.