The AMLC has frozen all assets of Arnie Teves Jr. after he was designated as a “terrorist” by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).
ARNIE TEVES JR. – The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen all the assets of suspended Negros Oriental Third District representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.
This, after the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated him as a “terrorist” for allegedly masterminding the assassination of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.
Teves Jr. was earlier cleared to travel to the United States for a personal trip from February 28 to March 9, 2023. He has been out of the country since February and has refused to return to the Philippines because of purported threats to his life.
At a Palace press briefing, AMLC legal officer Luis Anthony Warren said that the AMLC issuance of a freeze order is based “under the ATAs Section 25 in relation to Section 36”. Warren added that upon the designation of an organization or an individual, it is ministerial upon the part of AMLC to issue an “ex parte” order to freeze without delay the assets of the subjects in the case.
Atty. Mico Clavano, the spokesperson of the Department of Justice (DOJ), said at a press briefing that authorities have information as to the whereabouts of the suspended congressman.
“We have information, it comes from different sources as to where he is. Ang gusto lang po namin iparating sa kampo ni Congressman Teves ay harapin sana ‘yung mga charges sa kanya,” Clavano said.
According to Clavano, Teves Jr. is still not considered as a “fugitive” as there remained no warrant for Teves Jr.’s arrest.
According to ATC Resolution No. 43 dated July 26, 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council has designated Teves Jr. as a “terrorist” for allegedly masterminding the assassination of Roel Degamo. Alleged co-mastermind Marvin H. Miranda and former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves are also designated as “terrorists”.
Those involved in the so-called “Teves Terrorist Group” who are also tagged as “terrorist” are the following: Nigel Electona, Rogelio Antipolo, Tomasino Aledro, Rommel Pattaguan, Hannah Mae Oray, Winrich Isturis, Dahniel Lora, John Louie Gonyon, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., and Jomarie Catubay.
Teves Jr., meanwhile, brushed off his designation as a “terrorist” by the ATC and also questioned the basis for the “terrorism” tag.
During an online press conference with reporters on Tuesday afternoon, Teves Jr. also denied being part of any group that sows terrorism and said that there’s no such thing as a “Teves Terrorist Group”.
Teves Jr.’s lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, said while they have yet to receive an official copy of ATC Resolution No. 43, the bases for the “terrorist” designation are pure speculations. Atty. Topacio claimed that the Anti-Terrorism Act is being weaponized against his client and also blamed the Philippine government instead for causing disturbance in Teves Jr.’ hometown.
The suspended congressman, he’s not surprised that even his brother was also tagged as a “terrorist”, calling it an act of “desperation”.
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