Mayor Janice Vallega Degamo, the wife of the late Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, is elated over the arrest of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Dili, East Timor on Thursday, March 21.
TEVES
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Gov. Degamo and five others last March 2023.
MAYOR Janice Degamo (center) during the first death anniversary of her husband, Gov. Roel Degamo, early this month in Siaton, Negros Oriental. (FB)
“We already confirmed that the mastermind of my husband’s murder has finally been captured by Timor Leste police,” Mayor Degamo said in a Facebook post.
“Words cannot express how it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband surrounded by police,” she added.
“Dalaygon ang buhi nga Dios!” (Praise be the living God)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Teves was apprehended at around 4 p.m. while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar.
It said the arrest of Teves was made possible through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the International Police (Interpol)-National Central Bureau in Dili in coordination with the East Timor police.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla lauded the arrest of Teves and credited the former congressman’s arrest to international cooperation.
"Today's apprehension of Teves is a testament to the power of international cooperation. It sends a clear message that no terrorist can evade justice and that nations stand united in safeguarding the safety and security of their citizens,” he said.