Pag-aresto kay Teves, ipinagbunyi ni Janice Degamo: “A significant step toward justice”

- Janice Degamo, the Representative-elect of Negros Oriental’s 3rd District and widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo, recently released a statement regarding the arrest of Arnie Teves, calling it a significant step towards justice

- Teves, the former representative of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental, was recently arrested at his residence at Dili, Timor-Leste

- Degamo indicated that Teves’ apprehension is believed to be due to his status as an undocumented foreigner and his standing warrant for the Pamplona Massacre, which killed her husband and nine others

- Representative-elect Degamo underscored that for over two years, her family and the nation have consistently demanded that those responsible for the heinous crime be held accountable

Janice Degamo, Negros Oriental’s 3rd District Representative-elect and the widow of the late Governor Roel Degamo, has declared the reported arrest of former Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste as a “significant step toward justice.”

Teves is the alleged mastermind behind the brutal March 2023 Pamplona Massacre that claimed the life of Governor Degamo and nine other individuals.

In a statement released following reports of Teves's apprehension by immigration authorities in Dili on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Representative-elect Degamo emphasized the importance of this development for the victims’ families, the people of Negros Oriental, and the entire nation.

She noted that the arrest is believed to be linked to Teves’ status as an undocumented foreigner due to his invalid Philippine passport, an international alert from Interpol, and a standing warrant from the Department of Justice in connection with the horrific murders.

“This arrest is a significant step toward justice, not only for our family, but for the people of Negros Oriental and the entire nation who were shaken by the horrific footage of my husband and 9 others being mercilessly gunned down on March 4th, 2023,” Degamo stated.

She underscored the unwavering call for accountability that has persisted for over two years, asserting that “those responsible for this heinous crime must be held accountable, no matter how far they run or how long they.”

The murder of Governor Degamo, a political rival of the Teves family, and the other victims in Pamplona sparked nationwide outrage and brought renewed attention to political violence in the Philippines.

Janice Degamo, who successfully ran for a congressional seat in the recent elections, has been a vocal advocate for justice for her late husband and the other victims, tirelessly pursuing legal avenues to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Her steadfast determination has been a central narrative in the aftermath of the massacre.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and other Philippine officials have also welcomed the news, reiterating the government’s readiness to facilitate Teves’ return to the Philippines to face trial.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) had previously secured an Interpol Red Notice against Teves and had been working to secure his extradition, despite a previous reversal of an extradition order by Timor-Leste authorities.

The news of Teves’ reported arrest ignited widespread reactions across social media, with many expressing relief and hope for the long-awaited justice.

Comments on posts sharing Janice Degamo’s statement included expressions of support and calls for swift legal action.

“Finally! Justice for Gov. Degamo and all the victims,” one user remarked. Another comment highlighted the perseverance of Janice Degamo: “Yan ang tunay na naghahanap ng hustisya. Salute to Mayor Jan Degamo!” (That's someone truly seeking justice. Salute to Mayor Jan Degamo!).

Others simply posted “Amen” or “Praise God,” reflecting the spiritual hope tied to the development.

The sentiment was predominantly one of optimism that Teves would now face the judicial process in the Philippines.

The ongoing efforts by the Philippine government, coupled with international cooperation, continue to aim for the full accountability of all those involved in the Pamplona Massacre.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

Around noon today, the Department of Justice has expressed its readiness for the possible return of former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. The DOJ, in a statement, reiterated its readiness to facilitate the return of the former lawmaker from Timor-Leste to face multiple murder charges, including his alleged role in the Degamo assassination. While Timor-Leste has indicated Teves should not remain in their territory, the Philippine government is awaiting formal clarification on whether he will be deported or extradited. The DOJ highlighted that their initial extradition request for Teves was granted but later surprisingly reversed, causing delays in the process.

It can be recalled that news about the arrest of Teves, a former congressman of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental, at his Dili, Timor-Leste residence on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, spread like wildfire online. His son, Axl Teves, posted a video on social media of the moment his father was being taken by authorities, claiming the latter is being “kidnapped.” The former lawmaker is accused of masterminding the March 2023 Pamplona Massacre, which resulted in the deaths of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others. Despite Teves' consistent denials and claims of political persecution, the Philippine government expressed preparedness in facilitating his transfer of custody to face the charges.

Source: KAMI.com.gh