The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to file charges against Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. for his alleged involvement in the killing of provincial board member Michael Dungog and two others in 2019.
“Itong tatlong kaso na ito ay kasama sa mga bagay na nagbigay takot sa lahat ng tao sa Negros Oriental,” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a press conference.
Remulla said a DOJ panel of prosecutors has issued a resolution that found cause to indict Teves for the murder of Dungog who is also a former agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Lester Bato, a bodyguard of Basay mayoralty candidate Cliff Cordova; and Pacito Libron, an alleged hitman associated with Teves.
“Kakalabas lang ng resolution,” he noted.
“Kung hindi naifile ngayon baka sa Lunes,” said Remulla who disclosed that the murder charges will be filed before the Manila regional trial court (RTC).
Those to be charged along with Teves are Hannah Mae Sumerano, Richard Cuadra, Jasper Tanasan, Alex Mayagma, and Rolando Pinili.
“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 Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended. These charges pertain to the actions of respondents Congressman Teves, Sumerano, Cuadra, Tanasan, Mayagma, and Pinili,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The panel of prosecutors conducted a preliminary investigation on the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that included Gemuel Hobro.
“The foundation of the complaint rests upon the extrajudicial confession provided by respondent Gemuel Hobro, facilitated with the assistance of his chosen legal counsel,” the DOJ said.
“Hobro’s confession implicates him as part of a group hired by Congressman Teves to carry out the aforementioned murders, shedding light on the motives driving these actions,” it added.
Because of the significance of his testimony, the DOJ said “Hobro was conditionally admitted into the WPP (Witness Protection Program).”
