DOJ to file murder raps vs. Arnie Teves, et al over 2019 slays

Prosecutors have found sufficient evidence to file murder charges against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., and five others in connection with the killings in 2019.

The charges are in connection with the killings in 2019 of Michael Dungog, a former board member in the third district of Negros Oriental; Lester Bato, a bodyguard for Basay mayoralty candidate Cliff Cordoval; and Pacito Libron, an alleged hitman.

In a statement Friday, the DOJ said the prosecutors have found substantial evidence to indict Teves, Hannah Mae Sumerano, Richard “Boy” Cuadra, Jasper “Bobong” Tanasan, Alex Mayagma, and Rolando Pinili on three counts of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.

The case stemmed from the formal complaint filed by Monserat Tabacug, Luciana Pialago Bato, and Alma Silorio Libron on April 12, 2023, alleging that the lawmaker and his fellow respondents were behind the series of killings that occurred in the province in 2019.

Also named respondent was Gemuel Hobro.

According to the DOJ, respondent Hobro filed an extrajudicial confession, admitting he was part of Teves’ alleged armed group as well as their reported involvement in the murder cases.

He also said he was present during the three incidents.

“The complainants bolster their case against the respondents by presenting various pieces of evidence, including death certificates of the victims, affidavits from police investigators, and statements from the victims' heirs,” the DOJ said.

“The credibility and constitutionally sound execution of Hobro's testimony further substantiate the case. His connections to Congressman Teves and the correspondents are firmly established through evidence, confirming the political and personal motivations behind the murders,” it added.

Hobro reaffirmed his statements in a May 4 preliminary investigation and requested to be put under the Witness Protection Program for his and his family’s safety.

For their part, Teves and Sumerano filed motions to dismiss the complaint through their legal representatives but the DOJ said it was “merely noted” as the law mandates personal appearance when filing counter-affidavits or motions.

“After a comprehensive evaluation of the complaint and the presented evidence, the investigating panel of prosecutors determined that the evidence is sufficient to substantiate charges of three counts of murder, as defined and penalized under Article 248 of the RPC, as amended. These charges pertain to the actions of respondents Congressman Teves, Sumerano,” the DOJ said.

Not surprised 

Meanwhile, Teves’ camp said they were not surprised by the indictment, reiterating that the DOJ proceedings were "reduced to nothing more than moro-moro.''

"Coming as it does in the wake of the declaration of our client as 'terrorist' by the Anti-Terrorism Council, we expect more of the same harassment to come. What else can we expect of a Justice Department whose leadership has been using the laws as a blunt instrument of persecution?'' Ferdinand Topacio, Teves' legal counsel, said. 

Topacio also said the complainants should not "rejoice" over the development as it is "not a validation of the strength of their case but of the present perversion of the system.''

"Unfortunately for these persecutors, crab justice does not prevail in our courts. We have all seen our share of shadowy criminal cases fade into nothing in the cold light of truth presented before the courts," the lawyer said. 

"With our faith in our justice system undimmed by the anomaly of a few men trenching upon the criminal justice system, we shall continue to defend the rights of our client to the fullest extent, confident that God sees the truth, but waits. Retribution, divine or otherwise, is always part of the code of the universe," he added. 

Teves, who Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has said appears to be the mastermind of the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, is out of the country and refuses to return, citing fears for his safety.

He was designated a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) earlier this month citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.

Teves’ camp said they already expected the designation and are considering legal remedies to appeal it. —NB/VBL, GMA Integrated News