Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 2) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said the designation of embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves as a terrorist has so far resulted only in the freezing of his assets, with the government to take further steps later.
“At this point, the only consequence of a designation, according to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, is that his assets will be frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). This is purely preparatory for other remedies that the government can take against the designee,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
The Anti-Terrorism Council issued Resolution No. 43 tagging Teves and 12 others, including his brother Pryde Henry, as suspected members of the “Teves Terrorist Group.”
Authorities claimed the group allegedly led by the congressman was behind the killings in Negros Oriental, including the murder of former Governor Roel Degamo in March.
Clavano said the AMLC has started initial steps to freeze the assets of the alleged terrorists and the freezing is expected to be completed soon.
Aside from designation, the DOJ official said another remedy stated in the law is proscription, which refers to tagging a group as a terrorist organization.
The proscription proceedings are done in the Court of Appeals and arrest warrant can be issued, he added.
Clavano was mum when asked if the ATC will file a proscription case against the “Teves Terrorist Group.”
“It’s hard to mention the strategies of government now just because it might telegraph the next steps of government. I’m just stating that these are possible remedies and possible next steps that the government may take. That’s all on the table,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Police Provincial director PCol Ronan Claravall said local authorities are ready to implement the arrest warrant against Teves and the others tagged as terrorist once it is issued.
\”We have ample personnel and we believe the full support of all partner agencies and the national headquarters will be there always,\” Claravall said.
