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Advocates Philippines
DILG Secretary Abalos Assures Teves' Safety Upon His Return to the Philippines
Photo credit: DILG
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos, Jr. has assured the safety of suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. upon his return to the country to face accusations of killing Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last month.
"I myself will personally ensure [Teves'] safety. I assure you that 100%," said Abalos. Abalos stated that he will lead the efforts to ensure Teves' safety in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) after being asked by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.
Dela Rosa asked the DILG Chief if he is willing to be held accountable for ensuring Teves' safety upon his return to the country to attend the Senate hearing, as Teves was not allowed to participate through virtual means by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs. Abalos responded with a resounding "Yes."
As the head of the Special Task Force Degamo, Abalos also assured that the task force is nearing the conclusion of its investigation into Degamo's killing, along with the promise to continue efforts to bring justice to the victim's family.
"The Task Force is now approaching the final phase of its investigation. All evidence is being strengthened for the filing of criminal cases against the remaining suspects, including the alleged mastermind," he said.
"We will not stop until the last perpetrator is arrested, detained, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is the only way to restore normalcy in the lives of ordinary citizens and maintain order, security, and lasting peace in Negros Oriental," Abalos added.
Abalos also expressed his gratitude to the police, military, and National Bureau of Investigation for their diligent leadership in the case since its inception. "You have seen how quickly the perpetrators of this crime were apprehended. I am thankful for the dedication and unity of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and National Bureau of Investigation."
He also thanked the National Task Force on the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF-DPAGs) based in Mindanao, which he first contacted to respond to the case of Degamo's killing. He previously announced plans to expand the NTF-DPAGs nationwide to swiftly address similar cases across the country.
"I myself will personally ensure [Teves'] safety. I assure you that 100%," said Abalos. Abalos stated that he will lead the efforts to ensure Teves' safety in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) after being asked by Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.
Dela Rosa asked the DILG Chief if he is willing to be held accountable for ensuring Teves' safety upon his return to the country to attend the Senate hearing, as Teves was not allowed to participate through virtual means by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs. Abalos responded with a resounding "Yes."
As the head of the Special Task Force Degamo, Abalos also assured that the task force is nearing the conclusion of its investigation into Degamo's killing, along with the promise to continue efforts to bring justice to the victim's family.
"The Task Force is now approaching the final phase of its investigation. All evidence is being strengthened for the filing of criminal cases against the remaining suspects, including the alleged mastermind," he said.
"We will not stop until the last perpetrator is arrested, detained, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is the only way to restore normalcy in the lives of ordinary citizens and maintain order, security, and lasting peace in Negros Oriental," Abalos added.
Abalos also expressed his gratitude to the police, military, and National Bureau of Investigation for their diligent leadership in the case since its inception. "You have seen how quickly the perpetrators of this crime were apprehended. I am thankful for the dedication and unity of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and National Bureau of Investigation."
He also thanked the National Task Force on the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF-DPAGs) based in Mindanao, which he first contacted to respond to the case of Degamo's killing. He previously announced plans to expand the NTF-DPAGs nationwide to swiftly address similar cases across the country.
Apr 18, 2023
