Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. Faces Arraignment on Murder Charges
Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. is scheduled for arraignment on the morning of June 5 before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC). The arraignment will address multiple cases involving murder and illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Officials confirmed that Branch 12 of the Manila RTC set the arraignment date.
Teves, who sought political asylum in Timor-Leste, was deported back to the Philippines. He is currently held at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detention facility located at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. His arraignment on these charges marks a significant step in ongoing legal proceedings.
Multiple Cases and Arrest Orders Against Teves
Aside from the charges in Branch 12, Teves faces other serious accusations. These include 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before another Manila RTC branch. The Quezon City RTC is handling a separate case involving violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Additionally, the Bayawan City RTC in Negros Oriental is pursuing murder charges against him.
These cases have led to various arrest orders, resulting in the cancellation of Teves’ passport and his deportation from Timor-Leste. Such actions underscore the gravity of the charges and the determination of authorities to ensure his trial proceeds.
Security Measures and Legal Motions Surrounding Arraignment
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago revealed plans to deploy a battalion of security personnel to the Manila court to escort Teves safely. “Papadalhan ko ng isang batalyon na security para madala doon sa Manila court,” Santiago stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, has filed a motion requesting that the arraignment be conducted online via the Zoom application. As of now, it remains unclear whether the court has acted on this motion.
Until a court order dictates otherwise, Teves will remain detained at the NBI facility within the New Bilibid Prison. Director Santiago assured, “Susunod naman kami sa kagustuhan ng hukuman,” affirming compliance with court decisions.
For more news and updates on legal proceedings, visit Filipinokami.com.