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Sunday, Jun 01, 2025
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Former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Detained in New Bilibid Prison
Teves faces multiple serious charges, including being the alleged mastermind behind the murder of former Governor Roel Degamo.
MANILA, Philippines — Arnolfo Teves Jr., the former Representative of Negros Oriental’s 3rd District, has been taken into custody at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) facility within the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Teves is facing serious charges, including his alleged role as the mastermind in the murder of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Upon his arrival in the Philippines on the evening of May 29, 2025, Teves was transported directly to the NBI headquarters in Pasay City after arriving via a Philippine Air Force flight.
He first stopped in Davao City, where the aircraft refueled before proceeding to Villamor Air Base, landing at approximately 1:18 AM.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented Teves to the media shortly after his arrival.
Accompanying him were his mother, Zenaida Teves, and legal counsel, Atty.
Ferdinand Topacio.
During the media briefing, Teves expressed a mix of emotions, noting his sadness over his detention despite not yet being convicted and happiness for reuniting with his mother after two years apart.
His mother spoke about the challenges they faced, including the death of their family member in 2024, during Teves's hospitalization in Timor-Leste.
Teves requested a swift resolution to his cases and acknowledged the necessity of facing the legal process.
His counsel commended the NBI personnel for their respectful treatment of Teves and encouraged other fugitives to surrender to receive similar treatment.
Teves had been detained in Timor-Leste after being arrested by immigration authorities at his residence in Dili on May 27, 2025. He was subsequently deported back to the Philippines.
His legal troubles primarily stem from accusations related to the 2023 Pamplona massacre, where multiple murders were committed, including that of Governor Degamo.
Upon arriving at the NBI facility, Teves underwent standard booking procedures, which included mugshots, fingerprinting, and a medical check-up.
Santiago confirmed that Teves would be under close medical supervision while in detention.
Additionally, he was allowed to meet with his mother and attorney before further processing.
The detention facility within the New Bilibid Prison is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Corrections, having been temporarily allocated to the NBI for this purpose.
As the situation unfolds, Teves remains under investigation for multiple charges, including murder and frustrated murder, as stipulated in the Revised Penal Code.
Teves is facing serious charges, including his alleged role as the mastermind in the murder of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Upon his arrival in the Philippines on the evening of May 29, 2025, Teves was transported directly to the NBI headquarters in Pasay City after arriving via a Philippine Air Force flight.
He first stopped in Davao City, where the aircraft refueled before proceeding to Villamor Air Base, landing at approximately 1:18 AM.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented Teves to the media shortly after his arrival.
Accompanying him were his mother, Zenaida Teves, and legal counsel, Atty.
Ferdinand Topacio.
During the media briefing, Teves expressed a mix of emotions, noting his sadness over his detention despite not yet being convicted and happiness for reuniting with his mother after two years apart.
His mother spoke about the challenges they faced, including the death of their family member in 2024, during Teves's hospitalization in Timor-Leste.
Teves requested a swift resolution to his cases and acknowledged the necessity of facing the legal process.
His counsel commended the NBI personnel for their respectful treatment of Teves and encouraged other fugitives to surrender to receive similar treatment.
Teves had been detained in Timor-Leste after being arrested by immigration authorities at his residence in Dili on May 27, 2025. He was subsequently deported back to the Philippines.
His legal troubles primarily stem from accusations related to the 2023 Pamplona massacre, where multiple murders were committed, including that of Governor Degamo.
Upon arriving at the NBI facility, Teves underwent standard booking procedures, which included mugshots, fingerprinting, and a medical check-up.
Santiago confirmed that Teves would be under close medical supervision while in detention.
Additionally, he was allowed to meet with his mother and attorney before further processing.
The detention facility within the New Bilibid Prison is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Corrections, having been temporarily allocated to the NBI for this purpose.
As the situation unfolds, Teves remains under investigation for multiple charges, including murder and frustrated murder, as stipulated in the Revised Penal Code.
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