DoJ forms panel to investigate murder raps vs Teves

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has formed a panel of prosecutors to conduct the preliminary investigation into the multiple murder complaints filed against suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. and several others in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and 10 others.

Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon said that subpoenas have been sent to the known addresses of Teves and his other co-accused in the murder case.

On May 17, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed the complaints against Teves for multiple counts of murder, multiple counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of attempted murder. Murder is a non-bailable offense.

The NBI filed the complaints before the DoJ which is expected to summon Teves and require him to file his counter-affidavit.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the summons were issued to Teves’ last known address, adding that the suspended legislator “has to personally appear to swear by the contents of his counter-affidavit.”

“He has to come home or they will file the case in court and a warrant will be issued in absentia (in his absence),” Remulla warned.

If a warrant of arrest is issued and Teves is not arrested or refused to surrender, then he becomes a fugitive from justice, he said.

Teves has been tagged as “one of the masterminds” in the Degamo slaying.

He has not returned to the country despite the expiration of his travel authority last March 9 and has been issued another 60-day suspension.

Teves has denied all the allegations against him.

Aside from the filing of criminal complaints against Teves, the DoJ had moved to classify Teves as a terrorist under the Anti-Terror Law, and also requested for the cancellation of his passport to force him to return to the Philippines.

Remulla said the assets of Teves would be frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLAC) if he is categorized as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).

Coupled with the cancellation of his passport, Teves would become an illegal alien and would be the subject of an immediate deportation unless granted an asylum by another foreign country where he stays. — William B. Depasupil

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