Police authorities on Thursday, June 20, arrested former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves over his alleged involvement in terrorism activities.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Teves was nabbed in Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, at about 8:15 a.m. Thursday.
The former governor was wanted by the Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 where he has been charged with violating the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 on three counts, with bail set at P200,000 for each count.
He was released from police custody after posting bail amounting to P600,000 on Thursday afternoon.
Teves had been listed as the top Most-Wanted Person at the provincial and regional levels.
In August, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated as terrorists Pryde Henry and his brother, former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., over their alleged involvement in several murder incidents and harassment in the province in the past years when they were still in public office.
These incidents include the March 4, 2023 murder of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
Arnolfo Teves is currently under house arrest in Timor-Leste, pending the host country’s decision on his extradition to the Philippines to face the charges against him.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla lauded Pryde Teves’ arrest, saying that the recent development demonstrates the government’s commitment to fighting terrorism.
“The arrest of Pryde Henry Alipit Teves demonstrates our resolute commitment to fighting terrorism and upholding the rule of law,” he said in a press release.
The DOJ commended the CIDG for the successful apprehension of Teves.
“The CIDG’s diligent efforts have ensured that those who threaten peace and security are brought to justice,” Remulla said.*With reports from Marita Moaje/ PNA