Police file charges vs 6 arrested during raids on Teves’ properties

SIX people arrested during the raids on houses and properties of Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves have been charged in court, said the police Tuesday.

The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) said among the arrested was Teves’ secretary identified as Hannah Mae Sumerano Oray.

On March 10,2023, police operatives raided five different locations allegedly owned by the congressman in Basay and Bawayan City in Negros Oriental. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier said the police conducted the raids in search of illegal firearms.

“Following the said operation, on Sunday (March 12, 2023), the CIDG presented the arrested persons for inquest proceedings before the State Prosecutors of the Department of Justice,” the CIDG said.

Criminal complaints for violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) and the Law on Explosives (RA 9516) were filed against Jose Pablo Gimarangan and Roland Aguisanda Pablio, “in which Cong. Teves, Jr. is also impleaded as respondent,” it said.

On the other hand, complaints for infringement of RA 10591 were filed against Hannah Mae Oray, Heracleo Sangasin Oray, Rodolfo Teves Maturan, and Joseph Kyle Catan Maturan.

All the arrested persons were under the custody of the CIDG.

“Unfortunately, Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., Kurt Mathew Teves, and Axel Teves were not around during the said implementation of the [search warrants] in their houses,” the CIDG said.

“[H]owever, the criminal complaints against them for violation of RA 10591 and RA 9516 will be filed as soon as possible,” it added.

Rep. Teves is currently out of the country for medical treatment.