Degamo vows justice fight despite Teves’ bail grant

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Janice Degamo reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing justice after a Manila court granted bail to former congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in one of his murder cases.

“I will never stop fighting to make sure that justice is served, no matter how long or difficult the process may be,” Degamo said Friday after learning that Teves had been granted bail in connection with the 2019 killing of a bodyguard of a mayoralty candidate in Basay town.

In a 29-page order dated Sept. 10, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 allowed Teves to post bail of PHP 120,000 for temporary liberty.

Degamo acknowledged the concern and confusion the ruling may have caused among Negros Oriental residents.

“Some might think that this means Teves is set to be released soon,” she said, clarifying that the bail applies only to this specific case.

She stressed that Teves still faces several other serious charges, including two more murder cases from 2019 in Negros Oriental and his alleged involvement in the March 4, 2023, Pamplona massacre that killed her husband, Governor Roel Degamo, and nine others.

Several more were injured in that attack.

Degamo also pointed out that Teves and others have been designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council for a pattern of violence, including killings and harassment in the province.

“These cases are being handled separately, each with its own evidence, witnesses, and court proceedings,” she said.

“The fact that bail was granted in one case does not erase or diminish the gravity of the charges still pending against him.”

As a widow of one of the victims, Degamo said she deeply understands the pain and frustration of families still waiting for justice.

“I share the grief of every family in Negros Oriental that has been torn apart by these crimes,” she said.

“Justice is not always swift, but we must trust that truth will prevail.”

In a Facebook post, Degamo admitted the ruling had reopened her wounds.

“Today was one of those days that reopened a wound I’ve tried so hard to live with. It broke my heart to hear it. How can someone with such a history be given another chance while those of us left behind are still trying to heal?” she wrote.

She said she is not a lawyer and does not claim to understand every part of the justice system.

“But I do know what it feels like to live with loss, to carry grief every single day. And I can’t help but pray that the court will be guided by wisdom—true, deep wisdom—in making decisions that affect lives forever,” she said.

She called on the public to remain vigilant and committed to peace.

“The eyes of the nation are on Negros Oriental. Together, we will ensure accountability is achieved and that violence never again becomes the language of politics in our province,” she said.

Degamo assured victims, families, and all NegOrenses that she stands with them and will continue to fight for justice, peace, and healing.

Despite the bail order, Teves’ legal team clarified that he remains in detention due to other pending charges.

He returned to the Philippines in May after being arrested by immigration authorities in Timor-Leste.