NEGROS Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who has been implicated as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of provincial governor Roel Degamo and others, may return to the country on May 17, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla bared on Tuesday.
During a hastily-called press briefing, Remulla shared this information, citing a reliable source who is well-versed in flight operations.
He stated, “My reliable source, who has access to flight data, has conveyed that information. He is known for his reliability in tracking arrivals and departures from the country.”
Remulla emphasized the challenges Teves is facing in evading capture, given the Interpol Notice against him and his growing reputation as a subject for terrorist designation among ASEAN countries.
“Things are getting difficult for Teves to go around… That’s why he will return,” Remulla asserted.
Teves recently had his political asylum application denied by the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste.
Remulla has urged the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to designate Teves Jr. as a terrorist and establish a technical working group to investigate the matter and propose appropriate actions.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken initial measures to declare Teves a terrorist, thereby making him subject to deportation wherever he travels.
Teves has consistently denied any involvement in the killings and has vowed to return to the Philippines “once the threat to his life is properly addressed.”
