Teves back in BJMP cell

MANILA, Philippines — After two weeks of being confined in the hospital for an appendectomy, expelled Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. is back in a cell at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Teves was transferred to the Metro Manila District Jail Annex 2 after he was given a discharge clearance by doctors at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Tuesday night, his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said.

Teves was escorted by members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and BJMP security personnel.

Topacio said Teves is still suffering from stomach pains of “moderate intensity.”

The camp of Teves will request a follow-up checkup from his PGH doctors at the BJMP facility, set one week from the discharge date.

Topacio earlier said Teves welcomed his return to his detention cell “if only to silence misguided and malicious critics.”

Following his appendectomy at the PGH, Teves suffered “post-operative complications,” which required additional medical procedures and an extended stay in the hospital. 

According to Topacio, Teves will remain under “medical watch” at the BJMP facility to ensure his recovery.

Teves is facing murder and frustrated murder complaints before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 over his alleged involvement in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023.

‘No special treatment’

The BJMP opted to transport Teves in the evening instead of daytime as part of the bureau’s security protocols, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

With the former congressman’s background, Remulla said the BJMP personnel implemented stricter measures in transporting Teves back to Camp Bagong Diwa.

“He is a high-security risk,” Remulla told reporters, adding that Teves could use his wealth to escape.

He assured the public that no special treatment is being given to Teves while in BJMP custody, saying the former lawmaker is staying in a normal cell like any other inmate despite his wealth.

“Hindi na puwede na porke mayaman ka mas maganda ang treatment sa iyo,” he said. — Emmanuel Tupas