NegOr optimistic on ‘political turmoil’ end
Last September, the Department of Justice filed murder charges against Teves before a regional trial court that later issued an arrest warrant against him.
DUMAGUETE CITY — The year 2023 has not been kind to the political situation in Negros Oriental, which was hounded with controversies following the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo in March.
However, there is still a glimmer of hope for 2024, as Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Edward Du believes that the province is now "politically stable" and the peace and order that was marred by violence early on has now improved significantly.
He added that there are some conditions that set the stage for a better year in 2024 amid all that had happened in the province this year.
"The political climate in Negros Oriental has now stabilized and peace and order a lot better, with the province being touted by the police as the 4th peaceful province in the Philippines," Du noted.
Du said business is brisk, the economy is relatively stable, tourist arrival is on the rise, and hopefully, and more investors are expected next year.
To recall, the generally peaceful province of Negros Oriental suddenly trembled after the 4 March violence in Pamplona town, where Degamo was killed while distributing government aid at his residence.
The incident saw the death of nine individuals while 16 were injured as heavily armed men barged into the governor's residential compound and opened fire in broad daylight.
Suspects were arrested soon after the attack, and more alleged perpetrators later fell into the hands of authorities.
The succeeding events saw the province under the spotlight, with government security forces scrambling to prevent further violence in what is now believed to be a "politically motivated" attack against Degamo.
Investigation pinpointed then Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. as the alleged mastermind in the killing of the governor and a string of events led to the expulsion of the lawmaker from Congress.
The unprecedented move was sparked by a variety of reasons, including Teves' continued absence deemed unauthorized after failing to return to the Philippines after his official leave had expired.