By Gabriel Kim Leal
(June 5, 2025) – The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has entered a not guilty plea on behalf of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. in connection with charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Teves appeared in person at the Manila RTC Branch 12 on Thursday, despite his lawyers asking for a virtual arraignment. The charges stem from the 2023 discovery of high-powered firearms and ammunition in his family’s compound in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.
Teves chose to remain silent during the reading of charges.
“Nasa rules of court po natin ‘yung right na iyon, in which case automatically po if an accused in a criminal case refuses to enter a plea, then the court will enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of that accused. So ‘yun po ang naging procedure,” said Teves’ legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.
Topacio said Teves’ camp is still reviewing all legal options. He also confirmed they will be filing a bail petition.
“The evidence is there. The evidence, they will speak for themselves. At ready naman po kaming gawin ‘yun at ipresenta sa korte when the time comes and as the cases roll on,” added Topacio.
This case is just one of many charges Teves is facing. He is also accused of being the mastermind behind the March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others. In that case, Teves faces 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and 4 counts of attempted murder.
Teves, a known political rival of the Degamo family, has repeatedly denied involvement. After fleeing the country, he sought asylum in Timor-Leste but was rejected. Authorities there arrested him in March 2024 while he was playing golf.
The Philippine Anti-Terrorism Council has since designated him a terrorist.
In June 2024, a Timor-Leste court placed him under house arrest, citing flight risk concerns. Though he was later released under strict conditions while appealing his extradition, Timor-Leste eventually granted the Philippines’ request.
Just last May 28, authorities in Timor-Leste declared Teves a national security threat and proceeded with his deportation.
For now, Teves remains detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) facility. No ruling has been made on whether he will be transferred to another facility.
“Para hindi na localized ‘yung kanyang detention, centralized na po. Isa na lang grupo ng mga security forces. ‘Yung mga NBI agents na magdadala sa kanya. Isang lugar na lang po ang pwedeng padalhan ng mga notices ng mga korte,” said Topacio.
(With a report from Camille Samonte, News5)
(CD)
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