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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ denies allegations of influencing witnesses vs Teves

DOJ denies allegations of influencing witnesses vs Teves

Published Apr 17, 2024 07:09 am

The Department of Justice (DOJ) denied allegations that it was influencing witnesses to testify against expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. over his alleged involvement in the March 4, 2023 murder of provincial governor Roel Degamo and nine other persons.

The denial was issued by DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV to rebut accusations by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, the legal counsel of Teves, that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has been “tampering” with two arrested conspirators in the case in the absence of legal counsels “in order to pollute them by either intimidating or coercing them to testify against Rep. Teves, and/or offering them substantial sums to do so.”

“I can confirm that this statement is completely misleading,” declared Clavano.

"The evidence is strong and we just want to finally be able to present it in court and have the court decide on the guilt of the perpetrator,” he said.

“This case is more than just a case of multiple murder, it is a massacre of a sitting Governor. It is a massacre of innocent bystanders,” he stressed. 

Clavano then urged Teves anew to return to the Philippines and face the charges against him over the March 4, 2023 killings that took place in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

“Enough of impunity. Hindi na po kelangan ng taumbayan ang mga ganitong pasikot-sikot pa. Harapin ang kaso, harapin ang korte (The people don’t need this kind of roundabout. He should face the case, face the court,” Clavano said. 

Teves has not returned to the Philippines since early last year and has remained in Timor-Leste where he was arrested last March based on a red notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on representation by the Philippine government.

However, Teves has remained in timor-Leste due to court proceedings on his arrest.

Teves had been designated as a terrorist in July last year by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).  He had been charged with 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51 over the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona town. The trial court had issued an arrest order against him.

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