Negros Oriental congresswoman-elect Janice Degamo on Wednesday hailed the reported arrest of expelled congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste Tuesday night, calling it “a significant step toward justice” nearly two years after the assassination of her husband, Governor Roel Degamo.

The fugitive former lawmaker—tagged as the alleged mastermind behind the 4 March 2023 daylight killing of Degamo and nine others in the Pamplona Massacre—had been evading Philippine authorities for over two years.

Teves was expelled from Congress in 2023 after repeatedly refusing to return to the country to face the murder charges.

In a statement, Rep. Degamo said the arrest represents not only personal justice for her family, but also a broader triumph for the people of Negros Oriental and the Filipino public, many of whom were horrified by the massacre, which was caught on CCTV and widely circulated online.

“For over two years, our call has been clear and unwavering — that those responsible for this heinous crime must be held accountable, no matter how far they run or how long they hide,” she said.

Degamo stressed the importance of international collaboration in tracking fugitives wanted for serious crimes.

“Let this serve as a reminder that no one is above the law,” she said. “The arrest of Arnie Teves reaffirms the strength of international cooperation and our collective pursuit of justice.”

She said her family now looks forward to the “proper legal proceedings” that she hopes will bring “lasting peace” to Negros Oriental, a province long plagued by political violence.

Degamo also cited the broader allegations against Teves, whom authorities have linked to a private armed group referred to by some as the “Teves Terrorist Group,” allegedly responsible for multiple killings in the region.

“We now look forward to long-overdue justice for my beloved Roel and the hundreds of others who suffered at the hands of the Teves Terrorist Group,” she said.

As of press time, Philippine authorities are coordinating with officials in Timor-Leste regarding the next legal steps.