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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Manila RTC orders cancellation of passport of expelled congressman Arnie Teves

Manila RTC orders cancellation of passport of expelled congressman Arnie Teves

Published Feb 9, 2024 08:46 am

A Manila regional trial court (RTC) has ordered the cancelation of the passport of expelled Negros Orientall 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr., Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said on Friday, Feb. 9.

"The pursuit of justice remains steadfast and unyielding. We will not allow individuals charged with heinous crimes to evade the legal process," Remulla said. 

"This is a clear message that our society demands accountability, and we shall leave no stone unturned to bring alleged perpetrators to book. Our resolve to create a just and fair Philippine society for all is stronger than ever," he said. 

In a statement, the DOJ said that it received the order dated Feb. 8 issued by Manila RTC Branch 51 that directed the cancellation of the passport of Teves.

“In compliance with the court's dispositive order, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has been directed to cancel Mr. Teves' passport while the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been instructed to take appropriate measures to facilitate the return of the accused to the country,” the DOJ said. 

Quoting from the RTC's order, the DOJ said that, though the Constitution guarantees the right to travel, “this right is not absolute and may be subjected to restrictions as dictated by the law.”

“The court's order highlighted the severity of the charges against Mr. Teves and his designation as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, thereby justifying the cancellation of his travel documents,” said the DOJ.

Teves and and several others have been charged with 10 counts of murder, 12 counts frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder.

The charges stemmed from the March 4, 2023 shooting in Pamplona, Negros Oriental where 10 persons were killed including Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. Eighteen other persons were severly injured.

On Sept. 5, 2023, the RTC issued an arrest order against Teves and his co-accused.  The arrest order against Teves could not be enforced since the former congressman has been abroad long before the filing of the cases in court

Aside from Teves, the 11 other co-accused are Marvin Miranda, Rogelio Antipolo Jr., Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Joric Labrador, Joven Javier, Benjie Rodriguez, and Jhudiel Rivero.

Aside from the murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder cases, Teves had been designated terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council and his assets in the Philippines have been ordered frozen.

He is also facing murder charges for the deaths of three persons in Negros Oriental in 2019.

 

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