Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) escort six suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo for inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice headquarters in Manila on March 23, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Proceedings on cases related to the slay of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in March 2023 resumed Wednesday afternoon.

Expelled congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and four others face charges including 10 counts of murder, along with several counts of frustrated and attempted murder in connection with the killing of Degamo and nine others.

Media access to Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 was restricted but Attorney Paris Real, representing one of the accused, said pre-marking of evidence for trial has already happened.

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Janice Degamo, the murdered governor's widow and mayor of Pamplona town in Leyte, said she was confident in the justice system despite the long wait for her her and the relatives of other victims in the March 2023 shooting.

"Ngayon talaga, literally, we understand what due process really means... because every time I would make a call to — kinukumusta ko din kasi ayoko rin na iniisip [ng ibang victims at ng witnesses] na wala na 'yun kasi ang tagal na nga," she said.

"I was told also the other camp would like avail of the legal remedies available to them."

In a related development, the motion to cancel Teves' passporthas been submitted for resolution, according to lawyer Andrei Tagum, Mayor Degamo's counsel.

“It’s still pending” he said.

'Long wait is over': Degamo widow thanks NBI for filing murder raps vs. Teves

The formal hearing is scheduled to commence on February 28, 2024.