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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Degamo widow thanks PBBM, Timor-Leste for Teves' return to PH

Degamo widow thanks PBBM, Timor-Leste for Teves' return to PH

Published May 29, 2025 10:27 pm
BACOLOD CITY – Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Timor-Leste authorities for bringing former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. back to the Philippines.
FORMER Rep. Arnie Teves (left) accompanied by NBI Director Jaime Santiago on the return flight to the Philippines. (NBI)
FORMER Rep. Arnie Teves (left) accompanied by NBI Director Jaime Santiago on the return flight to the Philippines. (NBI)
The mayor shared a video of Teves’ departure from Timor-Leste on Thursday, May 29, a day after he was arrested by Timor-Leste immigration authorities at his residence in the country on Tuesday night, May 28.
“Today, has been a truly emotional day for our family as we witness a powerful reminder that while justice may take time, it never forgets,” Mayor Degamo said in a statement posted on her social media account on Thursday while following the development on Teves’ departure from Timor-Leste and arrival in the Philippines.
She thanked the President and his Cabinet for their unwavering support in their pursuit of justice. “Their commitment has never faltered, and today is proof that when the government stands firm for what is right, justice prevails,” she added.
She also thanked Timor-Leste authorities for their courage and clarity in declaring that harboring fugitives, especially those wanted for heinous crimes like the Pamplona Massacre, is unacceptable. “This is not just a legal issue, it is a moral one,” she said.
Mayor Degamo said that the government of Timor-Leste has recognized what they have long known to be true: “That the continued presence of Teves in their country compromises regional peace, security, and the rule of law.”
“For over two years, Arnie Teves has evaded justice, even after being formally charged for the brutal assassination of my husband, Gov. Roel Degamo, and nine innocent others,” the mayor said.
She looks forward to facing Teves in court to finally bring justice to her husband and ensure lasting peace in Negros Oriental. “This is a victory not just for our family, but for every Filipino who dreams of a safer, fairer, and more peaceful nation,” she said.
She thanked other agencies that have continued to support the fight for what is right. “Know that your tireless work and courage brought us to this moment. You stood with us even when the road was long and even when threats loomed,” she said.
Mayor Degamo said that the return of Teves is a major step towards their fight for truth and accountability.
Teves was tagged as the alleged mastermind in the murder of Gov. Degamo and nine civilians in March 2023.
“This is not just about one man’s arrest. This is about standing up to a culture of impunity that for too long has persisted in our country,” the mayor said, adding that it is about sending a message that no one is above the law and that evil will never triumph.
She is hoping that while Teves is finally in Philippine custody, those who have suffered will have the courage to come forward and share their stories. “Today is the first day of a new Negros Oriental,” she said.

Related Tags

Rep. Arnie Teves Mayor Janice Degamo Pamplona Negros Oriental
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