A Manila court has rejected the request of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to stay under the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) custody, instead ordering his transfer to the Metro Manila District Jail in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
In a five-page ruling, the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51 issued a commitment order for Teves’ transfer. The court is currently handling murder and related charges against him in connection with the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and 10 others.
Teves’ legal team cited concerns for his safety and referenced the Certificate of Handover signed by the governments of Timor-Leste and the Philippines before his deportation. However, the court stated the certificate did not specify any requirement for NBI custody and found no evidence supporting claims of torture or inhumane treatment.
The court said it found no credible threats to Teves’ safety and noted that his request appeared to be for personal convenience.
Meanwhile, the Manila RTC Branch 12 had previously ordered Teves’ transfer to the Manila City Jail over separate charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. However, NBI Director Jaime Santiago had delayed the transfer due to the multiple ongoing cases in various courts.
Teves also faces charges related to a series of 2019 killings in Negros Oriental. The Anti-Terrorism Council has designated him and 12 others as terrorists, citing alleged involvement in killings and harassment in the province.