‘Political violence’ in Negros Oriental now a concern for locals, says Remulla

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
—INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — People are now coming forward to give information about the political violence in Negros Oriental, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Friday.

Remulla accompanied President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last March 8, in visiting the wake of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

READ: Marcos visits wake of Negros Oriental governor Degamo in Dumaguete

From there, he said, aside from the outpouring of support and sympathy for the fallen governor, they received complaints about political violence.

“Political violence is what they were complaining about–the violence related to politics and, of course, the word impunity comes in,” Remulla told reporters.

A task force was formed to address the “pattern of impunity” in the province. Aside from the Department of Justice (DOJ), also part of the task force is the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of the Executive Secretary, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Remulla said they are looking at 10 more cases to be filed related to the so-called pattern of impunity.

“At least 10 more cases, that’s what I was told but we will wait for the official affidavits to come in and statements to come in,” Remulla said.

Earlier, a complaint was filed against Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. for three killings in 2019.

Teves was also tagged in the death of Degamo by two of the four arrested.

The lawmaker already denied the allegations. His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio also issued a statement cautioning all concerned” to observe sobriety in making statements regarding the killing of Degamo and eight others.”

He added that his client would face the accusations against him in the proper forum.

Is Teves and his brother among those subject of investigatio?

Remulla said “we will not spare anybody. Lahat yan under investigation. We are not exempting anybody as long as they may have a possible relationship or motive.”

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Multiple murder complaint filed vs Teves Jr., 5 others for 2019 killings in Negros Oriental

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