TGP’s Teves off the hook

The Anti-Terrorism Council clarified on Thursday that Talino at Galing ng Pinoy Partylist Representative Jose "Bong" Teves Jr. is not included among those who have been designated as terrorists with Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.

In a statement released by the Department of Justice, the ATC stated that TGP's Teves is not affiliated with or a member of the Teves Terrorist Group.

"The decision, which is based on reliable intelligence, exclusively pertains to Mr. Arnolfo Teves Jr. and Mr. Henry Pryde Teves. There is no link to Congressman Jose 'Bong' Teves Jr. of the TGP Partylist," said the ATC in a statement.

From Catanduanes in the Bicol Region, "Bong" Teves conveyed in a privilege speech last March.

"Our family from the province of Catanduanes, Bicol Region, has no involvement or connection with the issue of the attack against Governor Degamo of Negros Oriental," Teves said.

To recall, the ATC labeled the embattled Negros Oriental Third District representative and 12 others as terrorists due to their alleged involvement in multiple provincial killings and acts of harassment.

The ATC Resolution 43 dated 26 July said that they were accused of committing various terrorist acts, including planning, training, preparing and facilitating terrorism, as well as recruiting and being members of a terrorist organization, and providing logistical support to terrorists.

Those who were identified as terrorists under the Anti-Terrorism Act were Arnie Teves, 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 and Hannah Mae Sumero Oray.

The expelled congressman has been implicated as the mastermind behind the high-profile killing of Governor Roel Degamo and several others.