MANILA, Philippines– Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. returned to the Philippines on Thursday after being deported from Timor-Leste, over a year after being implicated as the alleged mastermind behind the Pamplona massacre.
The massacre in March 2022 resulted in the deaths of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others. Authorities have filed multiple charges of murder and frustrated murder against Teves in connection with the case.
Teves arrived in Davao City aboard a Philippine Air Force aircraft that made a refueling stop before he was scheduled to be transferred to Villamor Airbase. Upon arrival at Villamor, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will take Teves into custody.
Investigators had sought Teves for questioning regarding his alleged involvement in the killings. The NBI will conduct further inquiries following his return.
Teves denies the allegations. Legal proceedings are expected to begin soon.
The Philippine government has affirmed its commitment to pursuing justice for the victims. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the massacre.
