Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been transferred to Building 14 of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City following his deportation from Timor-Leste.
Teves, accused of orchestrating the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, was escorted to the facility Friday afternoon in a bulletproof vehicle. He was accompanied by his mother and his lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago clarified that while Building 14 is within the Bureau of Corrections compound, it is designated for NBI detainees and remains distinct from regular BuCor units. Teves will be placed in a solo cell initially to help him adjust to detention life.
During a press briefing, Santiago stressed that this is not “VIP treatment” but a standard acclimatization step for high-profile detainees.
Meanwhile, Degamo’s widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, has called for marathon hearings to fast-track the trial, comparing the case to the decade-long Ampatuan trial. Teves has also requested a speedy trial, expressing willingness to face the charges.
Teves returned to the Philippines after being deported by Timor-Leste authorities, where he had sought asylum. After a brief stopover in Davao, his plane landed in Manila on Thursday night. He underwent booking and a medical check at the NBI before being transferred.
Teves continues to deny any involvement in the March 4, 2023 attack in Pamplona.