DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — On Thursday, June 20, 2024, former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves was arrested by personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) over allegations of involvement in terrorist activities. According to a police report, Teves, who is the brother of expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., was apprehended at approximately 8:15 a.m. in Dumaguete City for violating The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
The arrest warrant was issued by the Seventh Judicial Region, Branch 74 of Cebu City on May 13, 2024, and the bail was set at P200,000. Pryde Henry Teves has been on the list of the top Most Wanted Persons (MWP) at both the provincial and regional levels. This follows the Anti-Terrorism Council’s (ATC) designation of the Teves brothers and 12 others as terrorists due to their alleged involvement in a series of murders and harassment incidents in Negros Oriental over the past few years.
Among the incidents attributed to the Teves brothers is the high-profile murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March 2024. This assassination also resulted in the deaths of several innocent civilians, further intensifying the scrutiny of the Teves family. The ATC’s decision to label them as terrorists stemmed from a pattern of violent activities, which have reportedly plagued Negros Oriental, leading to widespread fear and unrest in the region.
The case against Pryde Henry Teves has brought significant attention to the ongoing issues of terrorism and political violence in Negros Oriental. His arrest underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to combating terrorism and holding those responsible for such acts accountable.
In a related development, Arnolfo Teves Jr. is currently under house arrest in Timor Leste. He faces an extradition trial related to the same series of violent incidents. The Teves brothers’ alleged involvement in these crimes has shocked the local community and highlighted the challenges faced by authorities in addressing terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens.
As the investigation continues, there is a growing call for justice for the victims of the violent acts attributed to the Teves brothers and their associates. The arrest of Pryde Henry Teves marks a significant step in the legal proceedings, but it also raises questions about the extent of terrorist networks within the region and the effectiveness of existing counter-terrorism measures.
The Philippine government, along with international partners, remains vigilant in its efforts to dismantle terrorist organizations and bring perpetrators to justice, aiming to restore peace and security in Negros Oriental and beyond.
Good arrest🫡