Teves rushed to hospital, faces major surgery

Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is facing murder and terrorism charges, was rushed to a hospital early Tuesday due to severe abdominal pain and is now recommended for major surgery, his counsel said.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio told reporters that his client began suffering intense stomach pain around midnight while detained at the Metro Manila District Jail-Annex 2 in Taguig City. However, he claimed that Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel did not immediately act on Teves’ pleas for medical help.

“He was practically on his knees requesting to be brought to a hospital, but BJMP personnel could not grant said request due to ‘protocol,’” Topacio said. “It was only when I arrived at around 7 a.m. that the patient was brought to a hospital. By then, the pain had become aggravated.”

Teves was initially brought to a government hospital around 6 a.m., where he underwent several tests. By mid-afternoon, doctors concluded that he needed surgical intervention not available in the facility. He was subsequently transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City.

“Mr. Teves’ condition requires major surgery in another hospital with additional equipment and facilities,” Topacio said. “All trial courts before which Mr. Teves has pending cases have been informed of the situation by way of the most expeditious means possible.”

The BJMP confirmed Teves’ transfer, saying it followed standard procedures for detainees needing emergency medical care. According to their statement, Teves began complaining of stomach pain around 7 p.m. on 16 June, prompting the jail nurse to provide initial treatment. When his condition worsened overnight, the facility’s physician recommended hospital admission.

“Following standard procedures, PDL [Person Deprived of Liberty] Teves was brought to the nearest public hospital upon the advice of the BJMP roving physician due to severe stomach pain,” the agency said.

Teves, who has been detained since his deportation from Timor-Leste in March, faces multiple charges in connection with the March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several others. He has repeatedly denied any involvement, calling the cases against him “politically motivated.”