Former Filipino congressman accused of masterminding a governor's murder is arrested in East Timor
A former Filipino congressman accused of orchestrating the killings of a provincial governor and others has been apprehended in East Timor and is set to be repatriated to the Philippines, according to Philippine justice officials on Friday.
Arnolfo Teves Jr. was arrested by police while playing golf at a driving range in Dili, East Timor's capital, where he had sought asylum, as reported by the Philippine Department of Justice. His arrest was facilitated through an Interpol red notice, prompting law enforcement worldwide to locate and detain him.
Teves faces murder charges related to the deaths of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others, including individuals seeking assistance at his residence in Pamplona town in March of the previous year. The attack, which left 17 others injured, was carried out by six armed assailants wearing military gear, caught on security cameras as they calmly entered Degamo’s compound and opened fire before fleeing in SUVs.
Teves has vehemently denied involvement in the killings, asserting that he was framed without providing further details.
The incident drew attention to the Philippines' complex political landscape marked by private armies, widespread illegal firearms, and ongoing conflicts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. characterized the attack on Degamo, a supporter of his presidential bid, as politically motivated.
Marcos praised law enforcement agencies for apprehending Teves and vowed to ensure justice prevails in the case. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla hailed the international cooperation that led to Teves's arrest, emphasizing that no terrorist can evade accountability.
Remulla urged Teves to face trial unconditionally and emphasized the importance of upholding justice and safeguarding citizens' safety.
Teves is also linked to previous killings and violations of firearms laws, with authorities discovering weapons and ammunition at his family's residence in Negros Oriental in 2019.
The Philippines continues to grapple with various challenges, including crimes, decades-long insurgencies, and unresolved cases of political violence, such as the infamous Maguindanao massacre in 2009, highlighting ongoing efforts to address security and justice issues in the country.
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