The Department of Justice revealed Friday that it received an order from the Manila City Regional Trial Court, Branch 51, dated Feb. 8, 2024, for the immediate cancellation of the passport of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr.
The DOJ said the court’s decision is part of the ongoing legal proceedings against Teves, who is facing multiple murder charges and has been declared a fugitive from justice.
The RTC cited that while the Philippine Constitution guarantees the right to travel, this is not absolute and may be subjected to restrictions as dictated by the law.
“The court’s order highlighted the severity of the charges against Mr. Teves and his designation as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, thereby justifying the cancellation of his travel documents,” the DOJ said in a statement.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for their actions.
“The pursuit of justice remains steadfast and unyielding. We will not allow individuals charged with heinous crimes to evade the legal process,” Remulla said.
“This is a clear message that our society demands accountability, and we shall leave no stone unturned to bring alleged perpetrators to book. Our resolve to create a just and fair Philippine society for all is stronger than ever,” he stressed.
The Manila RTC directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel Teves’ passport, while the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was instructed to take appropriate measures to facilitate the return of the accused in the country.
Last November, the DOJ asked the Manila City court to cancel the passport of fugitive and expelled Negros Oriental congressman Teves.
“If you are a fugitive from justice, your right to travel is impaired basically. Teves’ passport is in the process of being cancelled,” Remulla said.
Arrest warrants have already been issued against Teves for multiple murder charges in the March 4, 2023 killings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. One of the 10 persons killed was Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.
Teves was also charged for the murders of three people in 2019. Killed were former Negros Oriental board member and former NBI agent Michael Dungog; Lester Bato, a body guard of Basay mayoralty candidate Cliff Cordova; and Pacito Libron, an alleged hitman associated with Teves.
“You have a limit now on your constitutional right to travel when you are fugitive from justice and you cannot seek from a government for protection if you have a record that you are a fugitive from justice),” Remulla stressed.
The DOJ chief believes that Teves is still in Timor-Leste where the expelled legislator has filed an appeal over the decision of the government to deny his request to be granted asylum.
When Teves’ passport is cancelled, Remulla said the DOJ will work to place him in the red notice of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
In May last year, Remulla said Teves asked Timor-Leste to reconsider its denial of his request for asylum. But the Philippine government, through a letter, opposed the appeal.
Remulla said the Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste informed them that Teves is in Dili, where he applied for a protection visa with the intent of asylum.
The DFA also said the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste confirmed that Teves’ application was denied. It said Teves was granted five days to either leave the country or file an appeal.
Teves was also trying to seek refuge in Cambodia. But Remulla said he told the Cambodian ambassador that Teves is a person of interest in the killing of Degamo.