DOJ: Suspended solon ‘in the middle’ of Degamo murder
Suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has emerged as the “main mastermind” behind the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday.
Using movie terms, Remulla said Teves appeared to be an “executive producer” while Marvin Miranda, one of the alleged masterminds arrested last week, was the “director or casting director.”
“I said if it was a movie, Congressman Teves would be the executive producer and the producer,” Remulla told reporters.
When asked if this means the congressman is the main mastermind behind the killing, Remulla said: “He is. He appears to be.”
Last week, Remulla said Teves was “in the middle of everything,” even as he declared that the Degamo case was already “99 percent solved.”
Remulla said he believes that Miranda was a mastermind and not a middleman.
“He was the one recruiting people, he retrieved the firearms, and he was also involved in getting other people for the plan as well as coordinating the movements,” Remulla said.
Remulla also said a person claiming to be Miranda’s lawyer tried to talk to him but Miranda said he did not know him.
Former Justice undersecretary Reynante Orceo, who claimed to be Miranda’s lawyer, said he was prevented from meeting his client when he went to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), where Miranda is being held.
The NBI has yet to comment on Orceo’s claims.
Degamo and eight others were killed while several others were injured when gunmen opened fire on the governor’s home in Negros Oriental on March 4 while he was distributing aid to his constituents.
Teves is being linked to the crime after suspects in the killing pointed to a certain “Cong. Teves” as the one who ordered the hit.
The congressman, who refuses to return to the country due to fears for his safety, earlier denied involvement in the killing of Degamo. He also appealed for investigators to consider all angles in the killing and not just focus on him.
Over the weekend, Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio said his client made certain requests to ensure his safe return to the country. He also said it was “too early” for Remulla to claim that the case was already 99 percent solved.
Remulla earlier identified Miranda as a military reservist with “a very strong connection” with Teves.
Remulla said the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) would act as Miranda’s lawyer in the meantime.
Miranda, who was arrested by the NBI on March 31, has been the subject of hot pursuit operations since March 4, Remulla said.
He said that Miranda is still under interrogation and no decision has been made if he will be placed under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP).
Four suspects were arrested immediately after the Degamo killing and they have been charged before the regional trial court (RTC) in Negros Oriental.
Six other suspects who surrendered have been presented for inquest before the DOJ, which has yet to issue its resolution.
The Supreme Court (SC) had earlier ordered the Degamo case transferred to the Manila regional trial court.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., head of the special task force on the Degamo killing, said on Monday that the arrest of Miranda proved crucial in determining the name of the mastermind.
Reports said Miranda worked as part of the security team and as a bodyguard of Teves. Miranda also was previously arrested for the illegal possession of firearms.
Abalos said that Miranda, upon instruction of a certain “boss idol,” “big boss,” and “kalbo,” recruited the gunmen and provided them material support during the assassination.
Remulla later named Teves as “boss idol,” “big boss,” and “kalbo.”
Remulla also said that Teves was the one who relayed instructions to Miranda.
As of April 3, 11 suspects were under the custody of the NBI while one died during an encounter with police in Negros Oriental.
“We are now at the tail-end of our quest for justice and hunt for the masterminds behind the death of Governor Degamo and eight others, and the wounding of many more victims,” Abalos said.