Two alert list orders issued vs. Teves — DOJ

Two alert list orders have been issued against former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.

According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the alert list orders will restrict the former lawmaker's movement and facilitate his arrest through international cooperation.

Through the orders, all officers of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) were directed to promptly report all information regarding the entry, exit, or attempted entry or exit, of Teves to the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Immigration agents were also instructed to refer Teves to the PNP or NBI whenever encountered at any port of entry.

"The DOJ assures that all individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or influence," Remulla said in a statement.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Teves’ camp but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Remulla said the orders were issued pursuant to the warrant of arrest issued by a Manila court against Teves and others in September 2023 for the killing of Degamo.

The orders are also pursuant to the Interpol Blue Notice published this February. A blue notice is for the collection of additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.

"Teves cannot escape the long arm of the law," Remulla said.

A Manila court has recently ordered the cancellation of Teves' passport.

Teves has also been designated as a terrorist along with several others for several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.

The former lawmaker, who was expelled for disorderly behavior in August 2023, has denied all allegations against him. — VDV, GMA Integrated News