THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured court approval to cancel the passport of Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., the former Negros Oriental representative implicated in the controversial killing of provincial governor Roel Degamo and several civilians.
This as the DOJ confirmed receipt of the order of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 dated February 8, 2024.
Following this development, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has been instructed to immediately cancel Teves’ passport, with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) tasked to facilitate his return to the country, as posted on abogado.com
According to a DOJ press statement, the presiding judge ruled that while the Philippine Constitution guarantees the right to travel, this “right is not absolute and can be subject to legal restrictions.”
The severity of the charges against Teves, coupled with his classification as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, justified the cancellation of his travel documents, the DOJ continued.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for all individuals, regardless of their status.
“The pursuit of justice remains steadfast and unyielding. We will not allow individuals charged with heinous crimes to evade the legal process,” Remulla said.
“This sends a clear message that our society demands accountability, and we will spare no effort to bring alleged perpetrators to justice. Our determination to establish a just and fair Philippine society for all is stronger than ever,” he added.
Teves, a designated terrorist, has been constantly moving between different locations since arrest warrants were issued against him.
Specifically, he was reported shuttling between Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
The assassination of Degamo and eight others shocked the nation. The incident occurred while Degamo was meeting with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at his residence in Pamplona town.
Witnesses reported that heavily armed suspects dressed in camouflage uniforms carried out the attack, resulting in the death of eight individuals.
Degamo had won a fiercely contested gubernatorial race in his province, and his assassination occurred just 19 days after the Supreme Court declared him the winner.
