Expelled Negros Oriental Congressman Faces Murder Arraignment
Arnolfo A. Teves Jr., the expelled congressman from Negros Oriental, is scheduled for arraignment at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10. The hearing will take place at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC), where Teves will face 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and five counts of attempted murder. This arraignment marks a critical moment in the case against the former lawmaker.
During arraignment, the court officially reads the charges, and the accused must enter a plea—either guilty or not guilty. Should the accused refuse to plead, the court will automatically record a plea of not guilty. The four-word keyphrase “Expelled Negros Oriental Congressman” is central to this unfolding legal process and reflects the gravity of the charges.
Background of the Charges
These charges originate from the deadly incident on March 4, 2023, in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. The attack resulted in the death of Governor Roel Degamo along with nine others. Additionally, 18 people were injured, with 13 sustaining serious wounds. Authorities have named Teves as the alleged mastermind behind the killings. He has even been declared a terrorist by law enforcement agencies.
Statements from Authorities
A senior official confirmed details about the arraignment, stating, “Sa Martes ho uli (June 10, 2025) arraignment sa Branch 51 RTC Manila naman ni Cong. Teves…2:00 PM (this Tuesday, June 10, Cong. Teves will be arraigned at 2 pm before Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51).” This statement underscores the case’s importance and the pending court actions.
Last Thursday, June 5, Teves underwent a separate arraignment at Manila RTC Branch 12, facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. When asked to enter a plea, Teves declined, prompting the presiding judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified that Teves remains in custody at the NBI detention facility located within the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Other Legal Proceedings and Detention Status
Besides the murder and firearms charges, Teves faces multiple cases in various courts. These include a murder case before Manila RTC Branch 12, additional murder charges before Manila RTC Branch 15 and Bayawan City RTC Branch 63, and violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 before Quezon City RTC Branch 77.
Authorities also noted that they are awaiting court orders regarding the potential transfer of Teves’ detention from the NBI facility to the Manila City jail. This process remains under review as the legal battles continue.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming arraignment on June 10 will likely set the tone for the legal proceedings against the expelled Negros Oriental congressman. The case has attracted significant public and media attention due to the high-profile nature of the victims and the severity of the charges.
As the justice system moves forward, the community and stakeholders anticipate a transparent and thorough process. The proceedings will be closely watched as they unfold in the coming weeks.
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