Janice Degamo Reacts to the Arrest of Teves
JANICE DEGAMO – The mayor of Pamplona and widow of the late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, expressed her gratitude for the arrest of former lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste, describing it as “an answered prayer.”
“Matagal tagal kaming nag dasal at nag hintay na talagang this day would come and praise God po, na talagang na-huli na talaga siya. Wala kaming mapaglagyan ng aming tuwa. We’re really happy about this developmen,” she shared.
Teves is implicated as the mastermind behind the March 4, 2023 attack on her husband, during which armed individuals intruded into their home in Barangay San Isidro in Pamplona. Her husband was shot amidst aid distribution, resulting in his death along with several others.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Teves was apprehended on Thursday afternoon while playing golf. The agency stated that the International Criminal Police Organization’s (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau in Dili is collaborating with a team from Manila and the Philippine Embassy for Teves’ extradition to the Philippines.
Teves was included in INTERPOL’s red notice in February, which prompted his arrest in Timor-Leste. Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano explained that this served as the basis for his apprehension. Teves was last seen in Timor-Leste in September 2023, following an encounter with a former senator. Despite seeking asylum in the country, his request was denied.
Teves faces charges of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder for the attack on Degamo and others. Additionally, he and others are charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019. He was labeled a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council in August 2023 due to alleged involvement in killings and harassment in Negros Oriental. Teves has consistently denied the accusations against him and was expelled from the House of Representatives in August for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.
