Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) — Former Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry Teves on Tuesday said he did not expect authorities would include him in the list of alleged terrorists possibly linked to violence in the province, adding that his camp is looking into steps they can take regarding this development.
“It came as a shock to me and my family,” he told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) issued Resolution No. 43 on Tuesday that listed Teves and 12 others, including his brother embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, as allegedly members of the “Teves Terrorist Group.”
Authorities claimed that the congressman is the leader of the alleged terrorist group.
With him being tagged as a terrorist, former governor Teves said he is worried about its effect not only on him, but also on his family.
“Naaawa ako sa pamilya ko (I pity my family)…I’m living a private life, I’m doing my daily grind because I have to make a living and I’m sure this will really affect me a lot, including bank transactions,” he said, adding that this may also affect how his business partners perceive him.
Pryde Henry said his camp is currently studying if he can still appeal the decision.
He also maintained that he was not involved in any violent incident that happened in Negros Oriental.
“I’ve always been a law-abiding person. Kahit sa pagturo ko sa mga anak ko makikita mo naman ‘yan (Even the way I taught my children you’ll see). Even my children have been living very simple lives. My direct family has been living a very simple life,” he added.
Meanwhile, Levi Baligod, lawyer of some of the victims of the killings in the province, said they welcomed the development.
“The people there know the involvement of former Governor Pryde Henry Teves in the violence being perpetrated in the province,” the counsel said.
Among those that Baligod represents are families of former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and others who were killed in March.
