Teves rushed to hospital due to stomach pain

Metro Manila, Philippines - Expelled Rep. Arnie Teves was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday, June 17, after experiencing stomach pains, his counsel said.

Teves, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, has been detained in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Ferdinand Topacio said the former lawmaker suffered from “severe stomach pains” Tuesday midnight, adding that an in-house medical personnel attended to his health issue but was “unavailing.”

“Our client was buckling over due to pain, and according to him, he was practically on his knees, requesting to be brought to a hospital for treatment, but BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) personnel could not grant said request due to ‘protocol,’” Topacio told reporters in a message.

The lawyer said his client was brought to the hospital around 7 a.m. after he arrived at the detention facility. Topacio did not disclose details of the hospital for security reasons.

As of 9 a.m., Teves is undergoing treatment.

“Pain has somewhat subsided due to painkillers but still quite high. Further tests are needed to determine the cause of ailment,” Topacio said.

Teves was deported to the Philippines last month after two years of staying in Timor-Leste following the Negros Oriental killings in 2023.

A Manila court entered a not guilty plea for Teves over the murder as he refused to enter a plea, believing he was illegally deported.