Rep. Arnolfo Teves
FORMER Negros Oriental Representatives Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has order to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a preliminary probe set Wednesday and on December 19 for alleged terrorism financing.
According to the subpoena dated November 14, a complaint on financing terrorism under Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. as well as RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 has been filed against Teves, as posted on GMA News
“You are directed to file your counter-affidavit during the above-scheduled preliminary investigation,” the subpoena read.
Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ legal counsel, said he would attend the hearing on behalf of the former lawmaker.
Teves, who has yet to return to the Philippines, was designated as a terrorist along with 11 others by the Anti-Terrorism Council in August due to alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.
The former lawmaker was recently spotted in Timor-Leste.
He earlier entered the country to seek asylum in May but was denied by the Timor-Leste government.
The complaint was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against Teves and others. However, the subpoena was addressed to Axl Teves, Teves’ son.
The former solon is also facing murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder charges for the March 4 killing of late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others. A Manila court has issued an e-warrant for his arrest.
Aside from the murder of Degamo, the former lawmaker and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.
Teves has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.
He was expelled by the House of Representatives in August for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.
