PNP-CIDG wants to include Pryde Henry Teves in Governor Degamo murder case
Former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves in this April 18, 2023 photo file.
The Philippine National Police -Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) wants to include former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves in the multiple murder cases filed against his brother, former 3rd district Congressman Arnolfo Jr.
The older Teves was charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ), in connection with the death of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
PNP-CIDG director Major Gen. Nicholas Torre said aside from Pryde Henry, nine other people should be included in the supposed conspiracy to kill Degamo and the other victims.
“May mga bagong ebidensya na na-uncover so dinagdag natin para mapag-aralan ng ating prosecution kung paano ito masampa na rin sa korte,” Torre said.
Torre refused to divulge details, pending evaluation of the DOJ.
Torre said there is no politics behind the move, even if Pryde Henry is currently running for governor of Negros Oriental.
“Maraming ebidensya, may recovery tayo ng explosives, firearms and the like,” Torre said.
The recommendation of the PNP-CIDG was made under the Department Circular No. 20 of the DOJ where “reasonable certainty of conviction” and not just “probable cause” should be determined first before a complaint is filed in court.
The multiple murder cases against Arnolfo Jr. are now with the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.
Arnolfo Jr. is currently in Timor-Leste as the Department of Justice is awaiting the final decision of the country’s Court of Appeal on his extradition to the Philippines.
