Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was rushed to a hospital early Tuesday due to intense stomach pain, according to his legal counsel.
In a message to reporters, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said Teves began experiencing severe pain around midnight while detained at Camp Bagong Diwa. Despite Teves pleading for medical attention, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel reportedly delayed his hospital transfer due to protocol.
Topacio said Teves received initial medical attention at 5 a.m. and was brought to the hospital by 7 a.m., at which point the pain had worsened. He is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency room.
“The pain has eased slightly due to painkillers, but it remains significant,” Topacio noted, adding that further tests are needed to identify the cause. He withheld the hospital’s name for security reasons.
Teves is facing multiple charges including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder in connection with the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and 10 others. He is also linked to three killings in 2019 and a separate case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Philippine courts have entered not guilty pleas on his behalf for these cases. Teves has also been designated a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council due to alleged involvement in violent acts in Negros Oriental.