THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday transferred the custody of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to a detention facility operated by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed the transfer which came after the Manila regional trial court denied Teves’ request to remain under NBI detention in a temporary facility located inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
Teves, who is facing several criminal cases including multiple murder for the 2023 attack that killed Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others, earlier asked the court to allow him to remain in NBI detention.
But his request was denied by Presiding Judge Merianthe Pacita Zuraek of Manila RTC Branch 51, who instead issued a commitment order directing Teves’ transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa.
Zuraek is handling the cases against Teves for the killing of Degamo.
On Tuesday, Teves appeared via videoconferencing for his arraignment on the case but declined to enter a plea, prompting the court to enter a not guilty on his behalf.
Teves, in an urgent motion dated June 3, cited security and safety concerns if he is transferred to another detention facility. He also cited a certificate of handover between Timor-Leste, which recently deported hum, and the Philippines which stated that the former lawmaker be detained in an “internationally compliant facilities, with access to legal counsel and or medical care and any other rights given.”
But the court dismissed Teves’ arguments, adding that the certificate of handover that his camp cited does not state that a specific agency must take custody of him as a prerequisite for his handover to Philippine authorities by the government of Timor-Leste.
The court also did not give weight to Teves’ claim that he may be subjected to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
“While the detention facilities in our country may not possess the luxuries a person may have been accustomed to, the detention therein does not automatically make it inhuman or degrad-ing treatment upon one detainee’s mere say so,” the court said.
“Aside from this claim, the court failed to see any threats against the safety and life of the ac-cused Mr. Teves, Jr. mentioned in the motion and how letting him remain in the custody of the NBI facility will secure him against said threats,” the court added.
Teves is also facing a murder case before the Bayawan RTC in Negros Oriental and a case for violation of the terrorism financing and prevention act before a Quezon City court.
Degamo’s widow, Pamplona mayor and incoming Negros Oriental Rep. Janice Degamo, said the RTC decision is another welcome development in the case.
“This decisive action reflects our justice system’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no one is above it, regardless of their status,” she said.
