PNP willing to provide security to Teves

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 11) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday assured Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. that he will be provided with security once he returns home from a personal trip to the United States.

"We want to assure the families and the loved ones of Congressman Teves that the PNP and other government forces are more than willing to provide security to him at hindi niya na po kailangan mag-request [and he doesn't need to make a request]," PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo told reporters.

One of the suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo has tagged Teves as the alleged mastermind. Their families are political rivals in the province.

Fajardo said authorities do not have information yet as to when Teves will return to the country, but they have been coordinating with the people close to the lawmaker.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said Teves' travel clearance already expired on March 10. He advised the Negros Oriental representative to return home as soon as possible.

Degamo was killed in a brazen attack on his compound on March 4. Eight others died while several others were wounded.

It's possible that three to four people conspired in the assassination, according to state prosecutors.