SIX suspects in the May 4 attack that killed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice late yesterday.
They were brought under heavy security by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation which had custody of the suspects since they surrendered to authorities.
They six, all former soldiers, surrendered to the military in Negros Oriental last week and were recently turned over to the custody of the NBI.
An inquest is done to determine whether an individual arrested without a court-issued warrant will be released on account of a dismissal of charges, released for further preliminary investigation proceedings, or charged in court but they signed a waiver of detention and asked for the conduct of preliminary investigation.
Four suspects who were arrested hours after Degamo’s killing were earlier charged with multiple murder as well as illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Earlier yesterday, the camp of suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves decried what it said is the bias shown by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla against the lawmaker, when he refused to answer Teves’ messages while agreeing to meet with Degamo’s widow, Mayor Janice Degamo of Pamplona town in Negros Oriental.
Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said he sees nothing wrong if Remulla will talk to his client, considering that no complaint has have been filed against Teves in connection with Degamo’s killing.
He said Teves is facing only complaints for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and is still undergoing preliminary hearing.
The same can be said, he added, of the multiple murder complaints filed against the lawmaker in connection with his alleged involvement in the killings of three people in the province in 2019, including a former Negros Oriental board member.
“With all due respect to Secretary Remulla, if he can talk to Mayor Degamo, why can’t he talk with the other side,” Topacio said in mixed Filipino and English, in a press briefing.
“He is only under investigation for one case which is illegal possession of firearms and explosives. DOJ should act on behalf of all people and not on behalf of a few people,” he added.
As to Remulla’s call for Teves to stop the “drama” and just return to the country and answer the allegations, Topacio said the more Remulla should talk to Teves so he will know what the lawmaker wants to say.
“But the things that prevent him from returning are the threats to his life and these threats long existed before the killing of Degamo,” he added.
Remulla met Wednesday with Degamo and nine other mayors of Negros Oriental, several hours before he and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and other security officials held a briefing to announce that 10 suspects in the killing of the governor are now in custody.
Remulla said it is only a matter of time before the masterminds will be unmasked.
Two suspects in government custody earlier tagged Teves as the one who ordered the hit on the governor.
SECURITY
Topacio also said that while they appreciate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s. offer of security to Teves, including the deployment of soldiers to secure his return to a military air base if he chooses to, he said it is not enough.
“For how long is the protection afforded him?” he said, adding the threats will be there not only when he returns.
He said Teves feels defenseless, adding the military and the police even failed to secure Degamo.
Topacio said he provided Speaker Martin Romualdez two days ago with a “wish list” to guarantee Teves’ safety and ensure his return to the country. He declined to give details.
Topacio said they are taking the threats seriously because the information was provided by people who told Teves his residence will be raided and evidence will be planted.
LOTTERY
Lawyer Levito Baligod said the Degamo family will a complaint against Teves in connection with his alleged ownership of a small town lottery franchise and operation of e-sabong in Negros Oriental, with the end goal of removing him from his post.
“Early next week but some of the local chief executives in the province of Negros Oriental are in the province, but some are in Metro Manila, but the documents are en route to them for their signatures,” Baligod told CNN Philippines.
Baligod, lawyer of the complainants in the 2019 killings, said the soon-to-be-filed complaint will focus on Teves’ alleged violation of Section 14 of Article VI of the Constitution which bars a senator or member of the House of Representatives, directly or indirectly, from having any financial interest in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by the government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality including any government-owned or controlled corporation, or its subsidiary, during his or her term of office.
Baligod said Teves earlier acknowledged owning an e-sabong franchise in his province.
Topacio said, “Expelling a congressman should not be taken lightly since if you expel a lawmaker, you are effectively disenfranchising the people who voted for him,” he said.
He maintained Teves has nothing to do with Degamo’s killing.
Mayor Degamo reiterated her call for the Senate to conduct an inquiry on the death of her husband and the eight others.
She said a Senate probe is needed so lawmakers and the public will be aware of the extent of abuses committed by Teves’ camp.
“If there will be a Senate investigation, justice is more likely to be achieved. Based on my observation and research, a case is more likely to be given justice if it goes through Senate investigation,” Mrs Degamo said in Filipino, during a radio interview.
“I would want the whole world to know what they are doing here in Negros, why media cannot freely report…This is our only chance to tell the world (about the abuses of Teves), help us convince the Senate (to conduct a probe),” she added. — With Victor Reyes
