Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 4) — Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. said he received information that his friends and even his sons would soon be designated as terrorists.
“Mayroon akong intel na naman next week daw na papangalanan nila yung iba kong kasamahan, mga kaibigan, pati mga anak ko isasama nila sa terror group,” Teves said.
[Translation: I have intel that next week they will name my other colleagues, friends, and even my children as part of the terror group.]
Earlier this week, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) designated Teves— believed to be the mastermind in the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo— as a terrorist and leader of an alleged armed group.
His brother, former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry, and 11 others were also included in the list.
READ: Gov’t designates Teves, 12 others as terrorists
Because of this designation, their assets have been frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
“Ang dami nilang pinangalanan sa terrorist group na hindi ko man kakilala. ‘Di ba? Paano ko magiging tropa kung ‘di ko kakilala?” Teves said.
[Translation: There are so many of them named in the terrorist group that I don’t even know. How can I be friends with them if I don’t know them?]
His lawyer said they are still studying legal remedies and where to file them.
Teves said his designation is “unconstitutional” because he has yet to be charged in court.
“Ito alam ko malapit ito kay Liza Araneta-Marcos at kay Bongbong Marcos. Alam niyo naman boss ko si Albee Benitez ‘di ba? Ka-negosyo ko rin si Albee Benitez. Kaibigan ko pero ngayon nga ‘di na ako pinapansin. Sige nga kung isasama nyo itong mga anak ko tignan natin kung kaya niyong isama si Albee Benitez sa terror group. Tingnan natin kung fair kayo,” the lawmaker said.
