Former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves in this April 18, 2023 photo. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police has asked the Department of Justice to include former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves in the multiple murder cases of his brother, Arnolfo Jr., in connection with the death of former governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

Major Gen. Nicholas Torre, director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said aside from Pryde Henry, nine other people should be included in the supposed conspiracy to kill Degamo and the other victims.

"May mga bagong ebidensya na na-uncover so dinagdag natin para mapag-aralan ng ating prosecution kung paano ito masampa na rin sa korte," Torre said.

Torre refused to divulge details, pending evaluation of the DOJ. 

Torre however said there is no politics behind the move, even if Pryde Henry is currently running for governor of Negros Oriental. 

"Maraming ebidensya, may recovery tayo ng explosives, firearms and the like," Torre said.

The recommendation of the PNP-CIDG was made under the Department Circular No. 20 of the DOJ where "reasonable certainty of conviction" and not just "probable cause" should be determined first before a complaint is filed in court.

The multiple murder cases against Arnolfo Jr. are now with the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.

Arnolfo Jr. is currently in Timor-Leste as the Department of Justice is awaiting the final decision of the country's Court of Appeal on his extradition to the Philippines.

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