The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., his brother former Gov. Pryde Henry Teves and 11 others as terrorists, citing the massacre of former Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4 and other political killings.
ATC Resolution No. 43 dated July 26 marked Teves as the alleged leader of his armed “terrorist group”.
“The numerous killings and harassments in Negros Oriental which culminated in the assassination of Gov. Degamo must not be taken as isolated and random incidents of violence,” the resolution said.
The 11 others included on the list are Marvin H. Miranda, Rogelio C. Antipolo, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich B. Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Daniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Tomasino Aledro, Nigel Electona, Jomarie Catubay, and Hannah Mae Sumero Oray.
The designation of the Teves group members as terrorists serves as a strong signal that the government is prepared to take decisive measures against any individual or organization that poses a threat to the safety and security of our citizens, the ATC said.
Ferdinand Topacio, lawyer of the congressman, said government has no evidence against his client and has “weaponized” the Anti-Terror Act.
“Since Day One of the Degamo killing, the government has mobilized all the resources at its disposal – – starting with immediately tagging Mr. Teves as the mastermind thereof without investigation, conducting illegal searches on his properties, laying siege to his powers and prerogatives as member of the House, embarking on a massive media campaign to discredit him and prejudice the minds of the public against him, among others — all in an obsessive attempt to blame him for a crime at the expense of his Constitutional rights”, Topacio said.
“The agencies of government, having eggs on their faces due to the recantation of all key witnesses, lack of evidence against Rep. Teves, the public backlash against his obvious persecution, and the embarrassing failure of the authorities in bullying him into returning to the country in spite of grave and serious threats to his life, has expectedly weaponized the Anti-Terror Act by using it for the purpose for which it was not designed. One only has to read the reasoned decision of the Supreme Court on this matter to know this to be true,” he added.
He said it was a sad day for the Rule of Law and a shocking reminder that even under a constitutional and republican regime, “the return to a government of men and not of laws can always ensue, especially for those targeted for destruction by the present dispensation”.
“This development should send shivers down the spine of every citizen, for the liberties of none are safe unless the liberties of all are protected”, Topacio said.
Pryde Henry Teves, who was tagged for allegedly providing material support, on Tuesday said he is planning to appeal the resolution of the ATC.*