NEGROS Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is being implicated in the murder of provincial governor Roel Degamo and nine others, is reportedly in Timor-Leste while seeking a protection visa with the intent of seeking asylum.

According to a letter from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, the country’s ambassador to Dili City confirmed the lawmaker’s presence in the country.

Remulla has requested that the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) designate Teves Jr. as a terrorist and has established a technical working group to investigate and recommend action.

The DOJ has taken the initial steps to declare Teves a terrorist, making him eligible for deportation wherever he travels.

Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano explained that Teves’ alleged involvement in multiple murders, as well as his recruitment of gunmen and use of high-powered firearms, fall under the Anti-Terror Law’s scope.

Remulla emphasized that the murder of Degamo, the highest locally elected official in Negros Oriental, in his own home demonstrated the heinousness of the crime.

Teves, who denies involvement in the killing, has vowed to return “once the threat to his life is dealt with accordingly.”

The DOJ is prepared to respond to any legal challenges to Teves’ terrorist designation.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas