Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday mentioned suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. should be in Cambodia.
“I think he’s still in Cambodia. I think he’s still there,” Remulla mentioned in an ambush interview when requested if authorities know the present whereabouts of the congressman.
Teves, who’s being linked to the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has but to return to the Philippines because of safety issues.
Remulla had mentioned that Teves seems to be the principle mastermind behind the ploy, likening him to an “executive producer” who financed the operations.
For his half, Teves has denied that he and his brother, former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves, are concerned within the killing.
Meeting with Pryde Teves
Meanwhile, Remulla revealed that he met with Pryde Henry earlier than the Holy Week.
“He’s in the process of trying to clear his name that he was not involved. He was not involved in this incident. He had no idea this was going to happen and that he just wants to live in peace,” Remulla mentioned.
“Yun ang sabi niya (that’s what he said), he did not in any way participate in any of these things that happened,” he added.
According to Remulla, that they had mentioned issues at size however prevented issues that may compromise their positions as he was within the presence of a counsel.
However, when requested if authorities had proof linking Pryde Henry to the crime, the Justice Secretary declined to remark.
“I don’t think that I should comment on that because it is what it is. How the facts stand, how the testimonies stand, will link everybody concerned to the crime,” he mentioned.
Pryde Henry additionally submitted his counter-affidavit on the unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives filed towards him on the Department of Justice.
He has beforehand waived his rights over his secrecy of financial institution deposits and communication logs.
Senate probe
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs will begin its probe on Degamo’s killing on April 17 on the request of Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, the widow of the slain governor.
Remulla, nevertheless, mentioned senators must be cautious to keep away from discussing issues that would affect the investigation amid the looming Senate inquiry on the killing of the governor.
“Matters that are pending before the courts should not be discussed. They should try to avoid influencing people or having the effect of influencing the outcome of any investigation,” Remulla mentioned.
“Well, the senators know where to draw the line. I would trust them that they would know where to draw the line, that they will not in any way— it will not interfere with the investigation of the executive,” he later added.
Degamo and eight others had been killed whereas a number of others had been injured after an assault on the governor’s dwelling in Negros Oriental on March 4 whereas he was distributing help to his constituents. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
