THE Philippine government, through its Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), together with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), announced that a “Red Notice” was issued against former Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr.
The international notice came on the heels of the local issuance of a warrant of arrest against Teves on multiple serious charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
An Interpol “Red Notice” is a global alert to locate and provisionally detain a person awaiting extradition or similar legal action, based on a valid arrest warrant from the requesting country.
With more than 190 member-countries, Interpol ensures the broad distribution of these notices, which are also accessible to international entities like the United Nations and International Criminal Court for arresting fugitives and conducting investigations.
Teves is accused of masterminding the assassination of ten individuals, including then-Governor Roel Degamo, in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, on March 4, 2023, which also resulted in numerous injuries to other individuals.
The former solon also faces additional charges in relation to the assassinations of three individuals from March to June 2019 in Negros Oriental, violations of The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violations of Law on Explosives, following the discovery of high-caliber weapons and ammunition in his family’s compound.
On July 26, 2023, the ATC designated Teves and his affiliated armed group as a terrorist organization, identifying both the group and its members as terrorist entities.
In lieu of the circumstances surrounding Teves, last February 8, 2024, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 had ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs to immediately cancel the passport of the former solong, to which the DFA complied.
The ATC urges international cooperation and vigilance to apprehend Teves, underscoring the global commitment to combating transnational crime and bringing fugitives to justice.