The secretary of Negros Oriental 4th District Rep. Arnulfo Teves, Jr and five others who were arrested in the implementation of the search warrants last week underwent inquest proceedings in connection with the cache of firearms and ammunition seized during the operations.
Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat, Jr., director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said those who underwent the inquest for violations of the Republic Act 10591 and RA 9516 were Teves’ secretary Hannah Mae Somerano and five others who were arrested during the operations on March 10 in the five properties allegedly owned by the solon.
The five other arrested were Jose Pablo Gimarangan; Roland Aguisanda Pablio; Heracleo Sangasin Oray; Rodolfo Teves Maturan, alias "Jojo Maturan"; and, and Joseph Kyle Catan Maturan.
Those facing violations of RA 10591 (the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9516 (the Law on Explosives) were Gimarangan and Pablio.
In both cases, the CIDG said Teves was also included as a respondent.
Somerano, Oray, MaturanJoseph Kyle Catan Maturan were charged with infringement of RA 10591.
“Unfortunately, Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. Kurt Mathew Teves, and Axel Teves were not around during the said implementation of the SWs (search warrants) in their house, however, the criminal complaints against them for violation of RA 10591 and RA 9516 will be filed as soon as possible,” said Caramat.
Both Kurt Matthew and Axel are children of Teves, according to the CIDG.
Those arrested were already subjected to inquest proceedings on Monday, March 13, at Camp Crame in Quezon City where they are all currently detained.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the implementation of the search warrants were in connection with the killings in Negros Oriental in 2019.
"The PNP-CIDG enforces the law regardless of one's status in the society. We will assure impartiality in the conduct of the investigation and will hold criminals accountable for the offense they committed,” said Caramat.