Degamo Hails Teves Arrest as Step Toward Justice

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, welcomed the arrest of former congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste on Tuesday night.

“It is a significant step toward justice, not only for our family but for the people of Negros Oriental and the entire nation,” Mayor Janice said in a statement posted on Facebook Wednesday.

Teves was tagged as the mastermind in the March 4, 2023, assassination of the governor at their residence in Pamplona town, where nine civilians were also killed.

The allegation has been denied by Teves’ camp.

“For over two years, our call has been clear and unwavering—that those responsible for this heinous crime must be held accountable, no matter how far they run or how long they hide,” she added.

Mayor Janice said Teves’ arrest may have stemmed from his status as an illegal alien without a valid Philippine passport, compounded by an Interpol alert and a warrant from the Department of Justice tied to the governor’s murder.

“Let this serve as a reminder that no one is above the law,” she said, emphasizing that the development reflects the strength of international cooperation and their collective pursuit of justice.

Mayor Janice, now the third district representative-elect of the province, said they are looking forward to legal proceedings that could bring lasting peace to the province and long-overdue justice for her husband.

Teves’ son, Axl, posted a video on Facebook showing his father being arrested by immigration authorities at 8 p.m. at his residence in Timor-Leste.

In the video, Axl claimed his father was taken without any legal documents and described the arrest as “illegal,” alleging his father had been “kidnapped and abused.”

“Please, I am begging you—whoever can help us in this, please help us. Please send help,” Axl said.

The Timor-Leste Court of Appeal granted the Philippines’ extradition requests for Teves in June and December 2024.

Teves’ camp contested both rulings and appealed a third time, but the court denied the latest request.

Teves faces multiple murder charges in the Philippines in connection with the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others.