Manila RTC Schedules Online Arraignment for Teves
The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) will conduct the arraignment of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. online. The scheduled hearing on June 10 will be held via video conferencing, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced on June 6.
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago informed reporters, “Yun pong scheduled hearing ni Cong. Teves sa June 10, 2025 2p.m. at RTC Branch 51 ay VCH (via Zoom).” This means the hearing at RTC Branch 51 will proceed through the Zoom platform, ensuring safety and convenience amid ongoing legal processes.
Serious Charges Await Teves
Teves faces arraignment on multiple grave accusations, including 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and five counts of attempted murder. These stem from the tragic March 4, 2023 incident in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, where Governor Roel Degamo and nine others lost their lives. Additionally, 18 people were wounded, 13 seriously.
The former congressman was named the alleged mastermind of these killings. Earlier, he was also declared a terrorist by authorities, intensifying the gravity of the charges against him.
Recent Legal Proceedings and Detention Status
On June 5, Teves underwent arraignment at Manila RTC Branch 12 for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. When he declined to enter a plea, the presiding judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, according to NBI statements.
Currently, Teves is held at the NBI detention facility inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Director Santiago mentioned that the NBI is awaiting court directives regarding the possible transfer of Teves to the Manila City Jail.
Additional Charges Filed Against Teves
Aside from the firearm-related case, Teves faces other serious charges. He has a separate murder case pending before Manila RTC Branch 12. Moreover, the Manila RTC Branch 15 and Bayawan City RTC Branch 63 have each filed one murder charge against him.
Furthermore, two counts of violating the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 were lodged at Quezon City RTC Branch 77. These multiple cases highlight the extensive legal challenges confronting Teves.
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