Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., a Negros Oriental representative who has been suspended, and 12 other people have been declared terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), in response to multiple suspected killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.
ATC’s Resolution Number 43, which was approved on July 26, designated the following people as terrorists for allegedly breaking several Anti-Terrorism Act rules:
- Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Alipit Teves, Jr.
- Pryde Henry A. Teves
- Marvin H. Miranda
- Rogelio C. Antipolo
- Rommel Pattaguan
- Winrich B. Isturis
- John Louie Gonyon
- Daniel Lora
- Eulogio Gonyon Jr.
- Tomasino Aledro
- Nigel Electona
- Jomarie Catubay
- Hannah Mae Sumero Oray
The Council listed their offenses as participating in terrorism, planning, training, preparing, and supporting terrorism, recruiting people to join terrorist organizations and giving them material support.
On March 4, the late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was attacked, and Arnie Teves was identified as the attack’s mastermind. In the assault, Degamo and eight other people died, while numerous other people were hurt. Later, the death toll increased to 10.
Arnie Teves declared a terrorist
“Prior to the assassination of Gov. Degamo, numerous politically and economically motivated killings were attributed to Cong. Teves, Jr. and his armed group of followers/supporters,” the ATC said.
“However, notwithstanding these numerous killings, the relatives of these victims have remained silent and did not file any criminal complaint against Cong. Teves, Jr. and his group of armed men because of the existing atmosphere of fear and threat prevailing in the province,” it added.
According to the ATC, the countless murders and harassments that occurred in Negros Oriental and led to Degamo’s murder should not be viewed as isolated instances of violence.
“A closer evaluation of these killings and harassments shows an unmistakable pattern of a rather organized and orchestrated action. These killings and harassments are meticulously and deliberately planned and executed for the purpose of intimidating the residents of Negros Oriental as well as to create an atmosphere or spread a message of fear,” it said.
“These acts are also designed to influence by intimidation the local population and government of Negros Oriental to seriously undermine public safety and to ensure that Cong. Teves, Jr. and his group could continue and expand their reign of terror in the guise of political leadership,” it added.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.