CIDG files raps vs. Arnie Teves, sons for illegal possession of firearms

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed complaints for illegal possession of firearms against Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and his sons.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla thus said on Wednesday, days police authorities retrieved firearms, ammunition, and grenades from one of Teves' homes in a raid last week.

“Well, cases have been filed for illegal possession of firearms before the DOJ today, just today. So we will look at them. We will look at this cases filed against Congressman Teves, his two sons,” Remulla said.

The raids as well as the complaint is connected to the complaints for three counts of murder the CIDG filed against Teves for allegedly masterminding killings in 2019.

“We will ask them to answer these charges already filed before the Department of Justice,” Remulla added.

The raids as well as the complaint were connected with the three counts of murder the CIDG filed against Teves over killings in 2019 he has been accused of masterminding.

On Tuesday, complaints were also filed against six people who were arrested during the raids, including Teves’ secretary Hannah Mae Oray.

Oray was later released on Wednesday, according to a 24 Oras report.

According to Remulla, there is still no information on Teves' whereabouts.

Remulla has said Teves already left the United States and was “somewhere in Asia.”

“Wala pa rin specific. There are good ideas on where, but there are people who are— whose job it is to monitor them. Marami hong nag mo-monitor doon. I can assure you,” he said.

Remulla said he already spoke with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who had been in communication with the congressman.

When asked if Teves’ refusal to return to the country was affecting the investigation, Remulla said, “syempre (of course).”

“Kasi tingin ko yan ang pinagusapan nila ni speaker, parang doon nga yung pumupunta na pinapauwi siya para harapin ang lahat para naman mapanatag na ang lahat ng tao,” Remulla said.

“Kasi mahirap na may nagtatago at merong umiiwas. Mabuti nang harapin ang lahat kasi darating at darating tayo diyan eh. Yun ang mga bagay na kilanakailangang tignan natin,” he added.

Teves’ legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio has said Teves has yet to return to the country due to concerns about his security. Remulla, however, assured Teves that he will be secure once he returns. —NB/BM, GMA Integrated News