THE Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. has reiterated its vow to ensure the safety and security of Negros Oriental (3rd District) Representative Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves Jr. should he finally decides to return to the country.

The assurance was given as top government officials including colleagues of Teves from the House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez continued to persuade him to come home and face the criminal complaints against him specifically charges that he has a hand in the murder of the late Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo and eight others last March 4.

PNP spokesperson, Colonel Jean Fajardo said Teves and his family would be provided adequate security to address their safety concerns as Speaker Romualdez called on him to reconsider his decision not to return.

The top House official last week denied the request of Teves for a two-month leave after his travel authority expired last March 9.

“Suffice it to say, all government agencies are working together to convince Cong. Teves to come home and face the complaints against him. We reiterate that we are ready to provide security for him and his family when he flies back home,” Fajardo said.

However, the official said the camp of Teves particularly his lawyers are yet to say anything on the appeal for him to return the country even as Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ C. Remulla Jr. disclosed that the lawmaker has been monitored to have already left the United States and is now somewhere in Southeast Asia.

The Justice secretary said the alleged refusal of Teves to return to Manila could also be construed as an ‘indication of guilt.

Teves flew to the U.S. reportedly for a medical procedure last month and since then has not returned to the country citing ‘very grave security threats’ to his life and family.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has filed a total of eight cases for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 against Teves and some co-accused.

Although the DOJ last week dismissed one of the cases against him, the PNP has considered it as a minor setback’ since there are still other cases yet to be resolved.

“The CIDG believes they have strong evidence to prove the involvement of the accused,” Col. Fajardo said.

Teves is still facing criminal complaints for violation of RA 10591 and RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives after CIDG agents recovered a cache of high-powered guns, grenade and hundreds of assorted lie ammunition against him and some fellows in Negros Oriental.

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco