FORMER Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves was arrested yesterday on charges of terrorism financing but was released hours later after posting bail of 600,000.
Teves, his brother former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr, and 10 others were designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council in July last year due in connection with killings and harassment cases in Negros Oriental.
Operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested the former governor at around 8:15 a.m. at Dr. Vicente Locsin Street, Barangay Taclobo in Dumaguete City by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Cebu City Judge Marlon Jay Moneva for violation of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
The CIDG said the operation was conducted under Oplan Pagtutugis, PNP’s campaign plan against wanted criminals.
Teves, his brother, and the 10 others were designated as terrorists for violation of Sections 4 (terrorism), 6 (planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism), 10 (recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization) and (providing material support to terrorists) of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorist Act of 2020.
Arnolfo Teves and three others co-accused are facing charges for murder of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March last year.
The former congressman is under house arrest in Timor-Leste after the Court of Appeals in Dili, Timor-Leste declared he is a flight risk.
The Department of Justice earlier this week said Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals may render a decision on Manila’s request for Teves’ return before the end of this month as his extradition trial ended on Friday last week.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said the arrest of Pryde Henry Teves shows government’s “resolute commitment to fighting terrorism and upholding the rule of law.”
“The CIDG’s diligent efforts have ensured that those who threaten peace and security are brought to justice,” he said. — With Raymond Africa
