Teves now on Interpol’s ‘red notice’

MANILA, Philippines — Expelled Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. has been placed on the “red notice” list of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), which means all member countries are requested to apprehend him, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday.

Remulla explained that a red notice is “similar to an international warrant of arrest,” with all members of the Interpol “put on notice that the person should be arrested.”

“He will be actively pursued. If he crosses borders and is accosted, all will be on notice that this person is being hunted by the law and should be made accountable for the crimes of which he is accused,” he said at a press briefing.

According to Remulla, Teves is still in Timor-Leste, where he previously sought asylum.

The Philippine government intends to send a team, particularly from the National Bureau of Investigation, to serve the international arrest warrant against Teves.

Remulla said he wrote to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to communicate with the government of Timor-Leste on Teves’ arrest.

He also said the DFA has officially cancelled the passport of the former congressman, following an order of a Manila court.

Teves is facing charges of 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 over the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental where 10 persons were killed, including provincial governor Roel Degamo.

Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said their camp would abide by the outcome of the alert orders against his client, who did not show up during yesterday’s pre-trial conference. –  Ghio Ong