FILE PHOTO: Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated suspended Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and 12 others as terrorists due to their alleged involvement in a series of killings and violence in Negros Oriental.
Based on Resolution Number 43 approved on July 26, 2023, the following individuals have been recognized as terrorists for violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act:
- Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Alipit Teves, Jr.
- Pryde Henry A. Teves
- Marvin H. Miranda
- Rogelio C. Antipolo
- Rommel Pattaguan
- Winrich B. Isturis
- John Louie Gonyon
- Daniel Lora
- Eulogio Gonyon Jr.
- Tomasino Aledro
- Nigel Electona
- Jomarie Catubay
- Hannah Mae Sumero Oray
The Council states that actions such as planning, training, preparation, recruitment, and providing arms to terrorist groups constitute violations that can be deemed as acts of terrorism.
In response to Teves’ designation as a terrorist, the Anti-Money Laundering Council has frozen all of his assets.
Teves’ camp has expressed their lack of surprise regarding the Council’s decision, mentioning that earlier, he had already been considered the mastermind behind the killing of Governor Roel Degamo due to insufficient evidence.
Teves’ camp further suggests that the Anti-Terror Act has been used as a means to target him in the case.
Former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves has announced plans to appeal the ATC’s recognition of him as a terrorist.
As previously reported, Arnie Teves has been accused of being the mastermind behind the killing of Governor Degamo and 10 others on March 4, 2023. Teves is currently evading authorities outside the Philippines.
