Ex-Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves has been named in a new complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in connection with the assassination of former Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in the 2023 Pamplona massacre.
The attack took place at the residence of the late governor during the distribution of financial aid under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Authorities had earlier identified former Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., the expelled lawmaker and Henry Teves’ brother, as the alleged mastermind behind the crime.
CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed that the agency filed the complaint against Henry Teves and nine others as part of their case build-up.
He stated that new evidence was discovered, warranting its inclusion in the case for further legal evaluation.
Gen. Torre revealed that authorities had recovered firearms and explosives as part of their investigation.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will carefully examine the complaint against Teves to determine if sufficient evidence supports the charges and if a preliminary investigation should proceed.
If the probe confirms that all legal elements of the crime are met, prosecutors will certify the case for further proceedings.
Henry Teves is currently running for governor of Negros Oriental in the 2025 midterm elections under the Liberal Party.
Gen. Torre emphasized that the legal action against Teves was not politically motivated.
The CIDG’s recommendation was based on DOJ Department Circular No. 20, which requires a “reasonable certainty of conviction” rather than just “probable cause” before filing a complaint in court.
As of now, Henry Teves has not issued any statement regarding the charges filed against him.