Negros Oriental solon Teves faces multiple murder raps over 2019 killings

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 7) — The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has filed multiple murder complaints against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves in relation to killings of at least four individuals in 2019.

The complaint — lodged before the Department of Justice on Tuesday — also named five other respondents.

Lawyer Levi Baligod, who represents the family of one of the victims, said the witnesses were part of the "assassination team" and they executed an affidavit.

"But ito, apat pa lang ang nai-file namin (We have only filed four as of now) but I think there will be more because in my record based on the complainants, there were 12 murders committed between the period 2018 and 2019," Baligod told reporters after the filing.

As to Teves' participation, Baligod alleged that the congressman summoned the witnesses and gave them instructions to assassinate the victims.

"So nung tinanong ko nga kung ano 'yung ginamit na baril, anong oras, ano ang damit nung victim, nasasagot nila," Baligod added. "So I was convinced of the credibility of these witnesses. That's why I helped the families file the complaint with the CIDG."

[Translation: So when I asked what kind of gun they used, what time, what the victims wore - they were able to answer them. So I was convinced of the credibility of these witnesses. That's why I helped the families file the complaint with the CIDG.]

Baligod also claimed that politics was the motive.

"Especially si dating board member Miguel Dumog. Sinasabi nila na nagkaroon kasi ng survey doon kung sino yung pwedeng lumaban kay Mr. Teves at lumabas ang pangalan ni Miguel Dumog na popular siya doon. 'Yun ang kwento ng mga ito."

[Translation: Especially former board member Miguel Dumog. They said there was a survey on who can go up against Mr. Teves, and Miguel Dumog's name popped up. That's what they've been saying.]

Teves has yet to release a statement in response to the complaints.

RELATED: Negros Oriental solon denies involvement in Degamo murder