The Manila Regional Trial Court entered a not guilty plea on behalf of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. on Thursday in connection with his case involving illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The not guilty plea was entered by Branch 12 of the Manila RTC after Teves invoked his right to remain silent during separate hearings.

The charges stem from a police raid conducted in March 2023 at Teves’ residence in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, where authorities allegedly seized firearms, explosives, and ammunition.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) escorted Teves to court for the arraignment, which was immediately followed by a pre-trial hearing.

The prosecution said it will present 13 witnesses, while the defense plans to call 23 witnesses, including Teves himself, his son Axl, and his lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.

Meanwhile, the prosecution moved to consolidate the illegal possession of explosives case with the illegal possession of firearms case. The motion was adopted by the defense and subsequently granted by the court.

The next hearing is scheduled for 29 July, with proceedings expected to continue until 2027.

Teves also faces separate charges of murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder in connection with the 4 March 2023 assassination of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others at the governor’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

In addition, Teves and several co-accused are charged with the 2019 killings of three individuals in Negros Oriental. He is also among 13 individuals designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council for their alleged involvement in multiple killings and harassment in the province.

The House of Representatives expelled Teves in August 2023 for disorderly conduct and prolonged absence.