Teves brothers, 11 Degamo suspects tagged as terrorists

MANILA, Philippines —The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. and his armed supporters as terrorists in a move aimed at “combating impunity” and ensuring peace and security in the country.

In a resolution dated July 26, the ATC cited the killings and harassments in Negros Oriental that were meant to “intimidate” the province’s residents and to create an “atmosphere or spread a message of fear.”

“The numerous murders and harassments in Negros Oriental, which culminated in the assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo, must not be taken as isolated and random incidents of violence. A closer evaluation of these killings shows an unmistakable pattern of a rather organized and orchestrated action,” the council’s resolution read.

Apart from Teves, 12 others were designated as terrorists, including his brother, former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves; alleged bagman Marvin Miranda; Rogelio Antipolo; Rommel Pattaguan; Winrich Isturis; John Louie Ganyon; Dahniel Lora; Eulogio Gonyon Jr.; Tomasino Aledro; Nigel Electona; Jomarie Catubay and Hannah Mae Sumero Oray.

They were tagged as terrorists after the council found probable cause for violations of various provisions of the anti-terrorism law.

Teves allegedly masterminded the March 4 bloodbath that killed Degamo.

Degamo was killed on March 4 while talking to some beneficiaries of the government’s cash transfer program in front of his house in Pamplona town. Nine other persons were killed and 18 were injured during the gun attack.

“These acts are also designed to influence by intimidation the residents and government of Negros Oriental to seriously undermine public safety and to ensure that congressman Teves and his group could continue and expand their reign of terror in the guise of political leadership,” the ATC said.

It was the first time the ATC tagged members of a private armed group as terrorists.

Earlier designations were related to communist rebels and violent extremists in Mindanao.

AMLC freezes Teves assets

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen the assets and bank deposits of Teves after he was designated as terrorist.

“Only those people who are specifically identified under the ATC resolution are subject of the freeze order,” AMLC legal officer Luis Warren said.

Teves laughed off the freezing of his assets, saying “baka kailangan ‘nyo ng malaking freezer (you might need a big freezer).”

At a press briefing on Zoom, Teves denied the ATC’s accusation against him.

“There’s no such thing as Teves terrorist group. It’s illogical and stupid,” he said.

Speaking to Malacañang reporters yesterday, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the designation was in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Act.

“We have found probable cause to warrant these designations, covering offenses related to committing terrorism, planning, training, preparing and facilitating terrorist acts, recruitment and membership in a terrorist organization, as well as providing material support to terrorists,” Malaya said.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty said the recommendation to designate Teves and his group as terrorists was unanimously approved by the nine members of the council.

ATC deputy spokesman Jose Clavano IV said Teves is not yet a fugitive since the designation is separate and distinct from a criminal action.

“It is only when you are issued a warrant of arrest that you become (a) fugitive or your status becomes a fugitive. Right now, he is designated as a terrorist but that’s as far as we go,” Clavano said.

The ATC also designated Maute group members Hafidah Romato Maute and Nahara Khairiya Sittie Hamim as terrorists.

Clavano said the Maute group has long been identified as a terrorist organization with ties to the Islamic State and a history of violence culminating in the 2017 Marawi siege.

Surrender

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada yesterday appealed to Teves to surrender and subject himself to the court of law where he will have the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

“As a colleague of Rep. Teves, I implore him to submit himself to the rule of law and take this opportunity to defend himself, present evidence to clear his name and have the charges expunged through the appropriate legal procedures,” Estrada said.

“If evidence supports their involvement in such criminal activities, they should be brought to justice through a fair and impartial legal process,” he added.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said the designation as terrorists of the Teves brothers and other members of their alleged terrorist cell aims to ensure that they could not wield influence and frustrate the authorities’ investigation into the political killings in Negros Oriental.

The House committee on ethics and privileges has yet to impose sanctions on Teves despite being tagged as a terrorist.

Panel member and Manila Rep. Benny Abante said they would continue the probe on the case of Teves, whose 60-day suspension lapsed on July 30.

Abante said the panel may come up with recommendations in one or two weeks.

‘Hitman’ killed

An alleged hitman of Teves was killed in a reported shootout with police in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental on Monday.

Alex Mayagma allegedly attempted to retaliate against police officers who were about to arrest him in Barangay Malabugas, according to Central Visayas police chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin.

Mayagma, the No. 1 most wanted fugitive in Central Visayas, is said to be one of Teves’ henchmen. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Emmanuel Tupas