1-8-2023 (MANILA) The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has officially designated Rep. Arnolfo Teves of Negros Oriental as a terrorist, alleging him to be the mastermind behind the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo. The move empowers the Anti-Money Laundering Council to investigate and freeze the financial assets and properties of Teves and his alleged armed group, many of whom are believed to be overseas.
The ATC resolution, which was approved on July 26 and released on Tuesday, identifies the suspended lawmaker as the leader of the “Teves Terrorist Group.” Additionally, it tags his brother, Pryde Henry, alleged bagman Marvin Miranda, and several others as terrorists. The list includes names such as Rogelio Antipolo, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Tomasino Aledro, Nigel Electona, Jomarie Catubay, and Hannah Mae Sumero Onay.
The Anti-Terrorism Act has faced criticism from various groups, who express concerns about its potential for abuse and its use as a tool to target political opponents and suppress dissent. More than 35 groups challenged the law’s constitutionality before the Supreme Court, but the legislation remained largely unchanged after the debates.
Teves and his alleged armed group are accused of violating specific sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, including committing terrorism, planning, training, preparing, and facilitating the commission of terrorism, recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization, and providing material support to terrorists.
Teves and his legal team have questioned the basis for designating him as a terrorist, but Justice Chief Jesus Crispin Remulla defended the decision, stating that the brazenness of the alleged crime can “terrorize” others.
The resolution points to a series of killings and harassments in Negros Oriental, including the bloodbath on March 4 that claimed the lives of Governor Degamo and nine others. Teves denies any involvement in Degamo’s killing and has sought the dismissal of the murder complaint filed against him.
According to the ATC, these acts were intended to intimidate the local population and government of Negros Oriental, undermining public safety and perpetuating a reign of terror under the guise of political leadership.
Due to fears for his life, Teves has refused to return to the Philippines, and as of now, no arrest warrant has been issued against him. As the situation unfolds, the legal process will continue, and the allegations against Teves and his alleged armed group will be subject to further scrutiny.
