The Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors has indicted Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves Jr. and five others in connection to the three series of killings in Negros Oriental in 2019.
In an order released on Friday, the DOJ panel said there is "sufficient evidence" to file three counts of murder against Teves and the following individuals:
- Hannah Mae Sumerano or alias Hannah Mae
- Richard Cuadra or also known as Boy Cuadra
- Jasper Tanasan or also identified as Bobong Tanasan
- Alex Mayagma
- Rolando Pinili or also referred to as Inday
The state prosecutors said respondent Gemuel Hobro reaffirmed his extrajudicial confession that he was part of Teves' armed group, and was tasked to carry out the murders of former Nationa Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official Michael Dungog, bodyguard Lester Bato and Pacito Libron.
Based on the police's investigation data form, Dungog was shot dead in front of the Silliman University Medical Center in Dumaguete City at around 3:54 pm on March 25, 2019.
The other two killing incidents happened at Sitio Labugon, Basay town on May 26, 2019, and at Barangay Malabugas, Bayawan City on June 23, 2019.
"The credibility and constitutionality sound execution of Hobro's testimony further substantiate the case," the DOJ panel stated.
"His connections to Congressman Teves and the co-respondents are firmly established through evidence, confirming the political and personal motivations behind the murders," it added.
Meanwhile, the state prosecutors said Teves' motion to dismiss his murder charges was "merely noted for the purposes of resolving the complaint."
It said that the Negros Oriental Congressman or the verified respondent must personally file the motions.
Aside from the 2019 killing, Teves is also facing murder charges in connection to the brazen killing of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Last August 2, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) designated Teves and his group as terrorists.
