Interpol notice issued vs. Arnie Teves, says Remulla

An Interpol notice has already been issued against suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Wednesday.

“He cannot keep his whereabouts secret anymore since there’s already an Interpol notice about his movements,” he said in an ambush interview when asked if the lawmaker will return to the country soon.

Teves, who Remulla has said appears to be the mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, is out of the country and refuses to return, citing fears for his safety.

According to Remulla, the Philippine government is informed of his movements by all jurisdictions.

“The blue notice is there actually. What is happening now is we are informed of his movements by all jurisdictions,” Remulla said.

According to Interpol, a blue notice requires member countries to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.

“Once he enters a certain jurisdiction, they already inform us of his movements. That’s why Timor-Leste immediately informed the Philippine government of his presence there,” Remulla added.

The Department of Justice previously revealed that the Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste informed them that Teves is in Dili, where he had applied for a protection visa with the intent of asylum.

It has been denied, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday. Instead, Teves was granted five days to either leave the country or file an appeal.

In a separate ambush interview, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, the governor's widow, said she is thankful to Timor-Leste for denying the request.

“Denying the request of asylum of Cong. Teves goes to show that they are using their better judgment. That the man has to come home and answer for the crimes he has committed to my husband along with the others who have died before,” she said.

She said she also believes that this will narrow down Teves’ movements.

"I think totoo po yan na liliit talaga ang mundo niya... Siguro that goes to show that talagang may ginawa siyang hindi mabuti because he won't be afraid to face anyone if talaga namang wala kang kinalaman,” Degamo said.

(I think it’s true that his world will get smaller. Maybe it goes to show that he really did something because if not, he will not be afraid to face anyone if he really did not do anything.)

Teves, for his part, has repeatedly denied involvement in the killing.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Teves camp. — BM, GMA Integrated News