Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. pleaded not guilty—via court entry—to charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives during an arraignment on Thursday at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12. Teves invoked his right to remain silent, prompting the court to enter the plea on his behalf.
The charges stem from a 2023 police raid at Teves’ Bayawan City residence, where authorities allegedly discovered firearms, explosives, and ammunition.
Teves, escorted by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents, personally attended the proceedings. A pre-trial hearing was held after the arraignment. The prosecution announced it would present 13 witnesses, while Teves’ defense team said it plans to present 23, including Teves himself, his son Axl, and his lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.
A prosecution motion to merge the firearms and explosives cases was granted by the court after the defense adopted it. The next hearing is scheduled for July 29, with trial dates set through 2027.
Beyond these charges, Teves faces multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder related to the 2023 killing of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. He is also accused in separate 2019 killings and has been designated a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, alongside 12 others.
Teves was expelled from the House of Representatives in 2024 for disorderly conduct and prolonged absence. He has since been transferred from NBI custody to the Manila City Jail.