Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Monday, May 8, described as “voluminous” the pieces of evidence the investigators have against Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. in his "involvement" in the March 4 killings of 10 persons in the province, one of them Gov. Roel R. Degamo.
This was pointed out by Remulla in response to the allegations of Teves’ lawyers that there are no charges filed against the lawmaker for lack of evidence.
“‘Wag siya mag-alala (Teves shouldn’t worry). The evidence is very tight here with us,” Remulla said.
“Marami talagang mga factual matters na kino-consider sa ganitong klaseng kaso kasi ang pinag-uusapan ninyo rito ay mahigit sampung suspects at mahigit dalawampung biktima (There are many factual matters that have to be considered in such a case because we are talking about more than 10 suspects and more than 20 victims),” he said.
He expressed hopes that within this week the criminal complaints against Teves will be filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the killings in Pamplona town in Negros Oriental.
“We’re looking at this week to finish it,” he said.
He disclosed that he met on Monday afternoon, May 8, with one of the prosecutors involved in the investigation of the murder cases.
“They just want to firm up everything before they file the cases against Cong. Teves,” he said.
The DOJ has already filed charges in court against six arrested suspects for nine counts of murder as well as multiple counts of frustrated murder and serious physical injuries.
It was reported that one of those who were shot and hurt during the incident, Fredilino Cafe Jr., recently passed away. Thus, the total number fatalities rose to 10.
Because of this, Remulla said prosecutors will seek before the court the amendment of the charges already filed.
“They will just file a manifestation, the prosecutors, that one of the victims who was a complainant for frustrated murder had passed away, converting this case to a murder case,” he explained.