Court orders transfer of Arnie Teves to BJMP jail

A Manila court has denied the request of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to remain under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and instead ordered his transfer to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

In a ruling dated 9 June, Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51 Presiding Judge Merianthe Pacita Zuraek, who is handling the Degamo murder case, issued a commitment order directing Teves’s immediate relocation to the Metro Manila District Jail – Annex 2.

“WHEREFORE, the Court resolves to DENY the motion of the accused to remain in the custodial facility of the National Bureau of Investigation. 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 – Annex 2, BJMP Compound, Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City,” the order read.

The court also reminded jail authorities to treat Teves “in a humane manner with respect and dignity of the human person.”

Teves’s lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, said they would exhaust all legal remedies to keep the former lawmaker in NBI custody, citing a separate ruling by another branch of the same court.

“We received today an order from Branch 51 mandating the transfer of our client to Camp Bagong Diwa. However, we were made aware of an earlier ruling from Branch 12 dated May 30 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,” Topacio said.

When asked for comment, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said he would first consult with the agency’s Security Management Division before taking action. “I am checking with SMD… I’ll update you later,” Santiago said.

Teves is facing multiple charges in connection with the March 2023 attack that killed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several others. These include 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and five counts of attempted murder.