Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday that they are considering suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. as among those being considered as mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

According to Remulla, they are not discounting the possibility that there could be two to three masterminds in the killing.

“They can be contacted, I think. There’s always social media. Meron namang social media diyan. Meron nga yung isa parang nag text sa akin. I told you about it last week. Congressman Teves texted me,” Remulla said.

“I think they’re considered — they’re being considered as masterminds, but I don’t know yet,” he said.

“I have to get into the panel of prosecutors. But right now, the way it is progressing, that’s the direction we’re heading,” Remulla added.

Degamo along with eight others, were killed during an attack at the governor’s home in Negros Oriental on March 4.

Remulla said that Teves, who is now out of the country, has sent him a text message.

He said he did not respond to the text as he received the message after finding out that four more suspects in the killing of Degamo have surrendered.

But Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ legal counsel, rebuffed Remulla’s statement.

He insisted that there is no direct evidence linking Teves to the killing of Degamo.

Teves continued to stay abroad over alleged fears forhis and his family’s safety.

Catherine R. Cueto