Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday assured the public that former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. will be returned to detention immediately after recovering from his recent surgery.

Teves, who is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023, is currently confined at the Philippine General Hospital following an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday.

“Sinisigurado kong hindi siya makakatakas sa hustisya at hindi rin siya makakatakas kung sabihin niyang anumang excuses,” Remulla said during the launch of the National Forensics Institute at the University of the Philippines Manila.

The DILG chief emphasized that while Teves is allowed to recover under medical supervision, his confinement will be strictly limited to the period recommended by his doctors. “Sisiguraduhin namin na ibabalik kaagad siya kung saan siya dapat nakakulong,” he added.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), which currently has custody of Teves, also confirmed that detention protocols are being strictly followed and that security remains tight during his hospital stay.

Earlier, the DILG reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for the family of the late Governor Degamo, in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive and the mandate of Task Force Degamo, which Remulla chairs.