Teves camp cries foul over ‘fugitive’ label
NEGROS Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.’s camp expressed their objections to the label of “fugitive” placed upon him.
Counsel for Teves, Ferdinand Topacio, stated, “What is he fleeing from? There’s nothing yet.”
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated on ABS-CBN’s “Headstart” that Teves is now considered a “fugitive” since the lawmaker refused to come back to the country to face possible murder charges related to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others.
Remulla earlier remarked that Teves is “being considered” one of the masterminds behind the killings.
However, Topacio believes that Remulla’s characterization of his client is “premature” and intended to “demonize him.”
Topacio stated that Teves has no cause to flee because he has not been indicted for any criminal offense, including the murder of Degamo.
Teves has continuously denied any involvement in the March 4 assassination of Degamo.
The lawmaker, who is presently in the United States for stem cell therapy, has yet to return.
He has recently requested a two-month leave of absence from Congress, citing a “very grave security threat to his life and his family.”
He has promised to come back “once the threat is dealt with accordingly.”
