Rep. Degamo welcomes Teves' arrest in Timor-Leste

Negros Oriental Representative-elect Janice Degamo welcomed the arrest of expelled lawmaker Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste as a significant step toward justice for her late husband, Governor Roel Degamo, and the victims of the Pamplona Massacre.

Teves, who allegedly masterminded the March 4, 2023 assassination of Governor Degamo and nine others, had been a fugitive for over two years and was expelled from Congress in 2023 for refusing to return to the Philippines.

Senators Joel Villanueva and Sherwin Gatchalian also welcomed Teves' deportation to the Philippines, describing it as a step forward in the pursuit of justice and an opportunity for the Degamo family to achieve closure.

Villanueva stated that Teves' deportation will give him the opportunity to face the charges against him and allow the Degamo family to continue their search for justice.

Gatchalian noted that Teves' actions, including the broad daylight break-in at the former governor's house, shocked the entire country.

Rep. Degamo expressed initial skepticism about the arrest reports but confirmed the news through multiple articles from Timor-Leste.

She also raised concerns about footage showing Teves in a comfortable setting in Dili, which seemed to contradict earlier reports of his detention.

Degamo emphasized the importance of letting authorities handle the case without interference and stated she has not contacted Philippine officials involved in the proceedings.