Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) – A Department of Justice (DOJ) official on Tuesday clarified that Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, who was recently designated as a terrorist, is not yet considered a fugitive due to the absence of a warrant of arrest.
READ: Gov’t designates Teves, 12 others as terrorists
“He is not considered a fugitive as this is separate and distinct from a criminal action,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a press briefing, adding that a person can only be labeled as a fugitive after the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
There’s no mention of a pending warrant of arrest against Teves at this time.
Clavano’s statement contradicts Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla’s earlier claim that the embattled congressman is already deemed a fugitive for being suspected of committing a crime.
Remulla cited multiple murder complaints against Teves in relation to the killing of at least four individuals in 2019.
“Right now, he is designated as a terrorist but that’s as far as we go,” the spokesperson said.
CNN Philippines is trying to reach out to Remulla for comment.
The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated Teves, his brother Pryde Henry Teves and 11 others as terrorists on Tuesday for their alleged participation in “Teves Terrorist Group.”
READ: Pryde Teves shocked, plans to appeal terrorist tag
Asked for the council’s next step, Clavano refused to disclose details to avoid jeopardizing moves of the government.
A terrorist tag on Teves and 12 others mandates the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze their assets without delay. Remulla also said that designation of Teves as a terrorist will help the government to pin him down and make the world smaller for him.
