DOJ confirms arrest of ex-Negros Oriental governor Pryde Teves on terrorism charges
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the arrest of former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry A. Teves in Dumaguete City on Thursday, June 20.
The former governor was arrested based on a warrant issued last May 13 by the Cebu City regional trial court (RTC) where charges of violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 were filed against him.
The RTC had set Teves' bail at P200,000 for his temporary release. He was arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Teves and his brother, expelled congressman Arnolfo, have been designated terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) through Resolution No. 43 issued on July 26, 2023 due to “their alleged involvement in killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.”
Arnolfo or "Arnie" is still under house arrest in Timor-Leste where he is facing an extradition case filed by the Philippine government. The Timor-Leste Court of Appeals is expected to rule on the extradition case this month of June.
"Arnie" has been charged with multiple criminal cases, some non-bailable, in connection with the death of 10 persons in Negros Oriental on March 4, 2023.
The Manila RTC where the cases had been transferred by the Supreme Court had issued an arrest order against "Arnie" who was arrested in Timor-Leste based on a red notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
"The arrest of Pryde Henry Alipit Teves demonstrates our resolute commitment to fighting terrorism and upholding the rule of law," said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a statement.