The Manila Regional Trial Court has denied the request by former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.’s camp to keep him detained at the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) temporary facility in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

Judge Merianthe Pacita Zuraek of Branch 51, who is overseeing the murder case of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, issued a commitment order for Teves’ transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

The order, dated 9 June, said that the court resolves to deny the motion of the former lawmaker to remain in the custodial facility of the NBI.

“The court issues a Commitment Order transferring accused Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. from the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation, Manila to the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) — Annex 2, BJMP Compound, Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City. The Jail Warden and the staff of the said facility are reminded to treat the accused in a humane manner with respect and dignity of the human person,” the order read.

Meantime, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio — Teves’ counsel — vowed to pursue all legal avenues to keep his client under NBI custody.

“We received today an order from Br. 51 mandating the transfer of our client to Camp Bagong Diwa,” Topacio said. “However, we were made aware of an earlier ruling from Br. 12 dated 30 May that our client should be transferred to BJMP. Under the prevailing memorandum of the Supreme Court, the earlier order should be followed. This is without prejudice to other remedies we may have.”

NBI director Jaime Santiago stated he would look into the matter when asked about the court’s order.

“I am checking with SMD (Security Management Division)... I will give an update later,” Santiago said.

Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder and five counts of attempted murder in connection with the March 2023 attack that killed Degamo and several others.