THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will be filing cases soon against the suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
“They were already subject to inquest and we’ll be filing charges by the end of this week,” Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla said during the press conference on March 28, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.
On March 4, Degamo was assassinated in his home in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Eight civilians also died and 17 others were injured.
A total of 10 suspects were already in custody — nine of them were former members of the military force and one civilian. Four out of the ten were arrested while the rest surrendered.
Remulla said that Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo Teves remains to be one of the persons of interest in Degamo’s murder.
“If panel of prosecutors sees that he may be part of those that should be indicted immediately, then we will file charges against him,” he said.
“But of course, if he answers he will be subjected to preliminary investigation or if he will submit himself to the jurisdiction,” he added.
Remulla said that due process will be applied to individuals involved, including Teves.
“Why only now? Everybody has the right to preliminary investigation and presumption of innocence,” Remulla said.
Remulla clarified that Teves is not “technically a fugitive” despite being linked with the murder case.
“In terms of notices to the Interpol, it's a blue notice that we are filing,” he added. According to Interpol, a blue notice means there is a need "To collect additional information about a person's identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation."
DOJ said the investigation is still ongoing and investigators continue collecting solid evidence aside from testimonies of the suspects in custody. KSD