THE Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) yesterday asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves in the multiple murder cases against his brother, former congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., in connection with the killing of governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
The petition was filed by PNP-CIDG Director General Nicholas Torre who said that aside from Pryde Henry, nine other individuals should be included in the supposed conspiracy to kill Degamo.
“Actually, it is not only Pryde Henry, but nine other persons. May mga bagong ebidensya na na-uncover so dinagdag natin para mapag-aralan ng ating prosecution kung paano ito masampa na rin sa korte (We have uncovered new evidence so we included them so the prosecution can evaluate how it can be filed in court),” Torre said.
The new evidence, he said, include “recovered firearms, explosives, and the likes,” though he refused to provide additional details, adding the new proof will be evaluated by the DOJ.
Torre said their recommendation was made under Department Circular No. 20 of the DOJ issued by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla last year which states that “reasonable certainty of conviction” and not just “probable cause” should be determined by prosecutors first before a complaint is filed in court.
At the same time, the police official denied the move is linked to politics.
Pryde Henry is running to reclaim his post that he lost to Degamo in the 2022 elections.
The multiple murder cases against the former congressman in connection with the killing of Degamo is being heard by the Manila Regional Trial Court.
Teves is currently fighting off extradition from Timor Leste where he initially sought political asylum. The DOJ is awaiting the final decision of Timor Leste’s Court of Appeal on his extradition to the Philippines after Teves appealed the decision to extradite him to Manila.
