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DILG hails Teves' arrest: 'No one is above the law!'

Philippines | National

DILG hails Teves' arrest: 'No one is above the law!'

By Chito Chavez

(MB FILE PHOTO)

(MB FILE PHOTO)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Friday, May 30, that the arrest of expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is proof that no one is above the law.

“Today, our government sends a clear message: justice is patient, persistent, and absolute and no one is beyond the reach of our laws,” the DILG said in a statement.

On orders of President Marcos Jr., the DILG said that Teves was brought back to the Philippines to face the murder charges filed against him for the killing of former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023.

As head of the “Task Force Degamo,” the DILG views Teves’ arrest as a “strong message that our government will not stop until justice is served.”

“This is the result of years of coordinated effort across government, guided by the priorities set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This arrest reflects the determination of our law enforcement agencies to track down and bring back those who attempt to evade justice,” the DILG pointed out.

The DILG had worked closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other agencies to make sure the deportation of Teves was done safely and properly.

With Teves’ arrest, the DILG emphasized that the former lawmaker must now face the charges and go through the legal process.

“We also sincerely thank the Ministry of the Interior of Timor-Leste for their support. This shows how important international cooperation is in making sure those who break the law are held accountable,” the DILG continued.

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