MANILA, Philippines – A Manila court issued a warrant of arrest against expelled Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and others over murder, frustrated, and attempted murder charges they face over the killing of late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

After finding probable cause, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 said it ordered the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the following:

• Arnie Teves
• Angelo Palagtiw
• Captain Lloyd Cruz
• Palagtiw’s sister (unnamed)

The Manila tribunal’s warrant was dated September 5. The court, presided over by Judge Marianthe Pacita Zuraek, also issued a commitment order for Nigel Electona, and directed his transfer from Manila City Jail to the Metro Manila District Jail in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

On August 26, the Department of Justice announced that the charges were filed against the former lawmaker. Teves, indicted on August 18, is the alleged mastermind of Degamo’s assassination. Aside from the Degamo-related charges, the former lawmaker also faces murder charges over the killings of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019. 

Teves did not report for work after Degamo’s death. The Department of Foreign Affairs said in May that he sought asylum in Timor Leste, but this was denied. Later, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Teves a terrorist.

In August, the House of Representatives, Teves’ home for several years, moved to expel him from the chamber. – Rappler.com