DoJ seeking UN assistance vs Teves

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said they intend to seek assistance from the United Nations in apprehending expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., who has been designated as a terrorist and faces multiple arrest warrants for murder charges.

This was revealed by Remulla yesterday saying the DoJ is in the final stages of drafting a letter to the United Nations, although he did not specify a precise timeline for its submission.

"We're in the process of finalizing the letter. We are reaching out to the UN under the provisions of the
Anti-Terror Act, as it mandates the duty of rendition. Therefore, we are currently collating the necessary documents and putting the finishing touches on our communication to the UN, informing them of the existing warrant against a recognized and designated terrorist," Remulla said.

"We view it as our responsibility towards the UN, enabling them to fulfill their duty of informing all member states about the duty of rendition, which is to arrest individuals like Teves and his associates and return them to the Philippines," he added.

Also, the DoJ chief disclosed that Teves is reportedly finding refuge under the protection of local warlords in Southeast Asia as he faces legal troubles in the Philippines.

This revelation arises from intelligence reports received by the DoJ, indicating that the former solon, has been constantly moving between different locations since arrest warrants were issued against him.

The Anti-Terrorism Council has recently designated Teves along with several others as terrorists.

A Regional Trial Court in Manila has also authorized the release of a warrant for Teves' arrest, along with several other respondents, in connection with the death of provincial governor Roel Degamo and several civilians on 4 March.

But Remulla appeared not bothered by Teves' alleged protection from local warlords.

He disclosed that Teves is still in the area but they will see because he is in Southeast Asia supposedly under the protection of local warlords and its ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) thus they can ask to assist the government especially against someone who is a designated terrorist.

The public was assured by Remulla that the government's monitoring of Teves' movements has intensified following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Manila Regional Trial Court.

He said there is tight monitoring in place because terrorism is not a joke since it is a crime against humanity.

Remulla said they are in the process of alerting the world pertaining to the said case and they are currently receiving intelligence information but they are screening it to make sure of the information gathered.