Arnie Teves' helicopter, alleged evidence in Degamo slay case, flown to Cebu

A helicopter supposedly owned by suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves Jr. and linked by authorities to the Degamo slay case has been transferred to Cebu, according to the reports of Ian Cruz and John Consulta reported on “24 Oras”. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed two choppers - one of which is armed with a machine gun - to escort and transport the aircraft from the Dumaguete Airport to Mactan International Airport.

Experts lifted prints from the chopper before it was transported to identify the individuals who boarded it before it was seized by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during a raid.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla believes the seized helicopter is a vital piece of evidence that would confirm the link between Teves and the alleged gunmen behind the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others who were allegedly airlifted to avoid checkpoints.

“Ang alam namin isang biyahe lang 'yun. Hindi naman ano yan e... Basta pinuno nila yun....That’s one of the signs of his participation, of the participation Teves in the crime. Just one of them among many other signs that are there in the body of evidence,” he said.

The chopper is guarded closely by the PNP and NBI at the Mactan airport.

Teves, who Remulla had said appears to be the mastermind in the killing, has yet to return to the Philippines citing concerns about his safety.

On Wednesday, Remulla also said the Justice Department had started the process for Teves to be designated a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council. -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA Integrated News