Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo Teves

The Department of Justice (DOJ) may consider the filing of violations of the Anti-Terrorism Law in the brazen assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last month.

Appearing before the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee chaired by Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa on the Degamo killing, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ might consider using the law against Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnolfo Teves should there be a declaration that he is a terrorist.

Remulla also requested the Senate committee not to ask him on more information on the Degamo case because they are handling many sensitive details that are not yet fit to be made public.

He said the DOJ is still trying to complete its investigation. If need be, the DOJ might share it with the Senate only in an executive session.

Remulla said there is still no arrest warrant issued against Teves and others linked to the case because the department is observing due process. It said it could only arrest persons who are caught in the act.

The DOJ said the Degamo case will take five to six months before a prosecutor can resolve the case because there are many good lawyers and motions to consider before a case is filed in court.

Department of interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said all the 11 suspects in the Degamo case have been arrested, including the gunmen and a recruiter, organizer and supplier while the 11th suspect has been killed.

Abalos was designated by President Ferdinand ‘’Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr. to head the Task Force Degamo.

He said 28 cases of murder, frustrated and attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and explosives have been filed and that there would more cases to be filed in the coming days.

There is also a case of illegal possession of firearms against Teves who is being tagged as the alleged brains behind the Degamo killing. The criminal case includes Teves’ sons, Kirk Anthony and Axel Teves and Teves’ brother, former Negros Oriental Governor Henry Pryde Teves.

Abalos said the DILG is now wrapping up its probe before filing criminal charges, including the suspected mastermind.

Della Rosa, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, was alarmed to learn that the gunmen had special skills being former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Degamo’s widow, Pamplona (Negros Oriental) town Mayor Janice Demo, appeared before the Dela Rosa committee to stress that her family seeks justice in the killing of the governor.

She objected to Teves appearing via Zoom. This is unfair because she appeared physically, she added.

Dela Rosa said he talked to Teves Sunday and asked him to appear before his committee physically.

Teves, according to Dela Rosa, refused, claiming that his life is under threat and that he might be killed.

Dela Rosa said he assured Teves that he could ensure his safety in the Senate.