Pryde Teves released after posting bail over terrorism financing charges

Former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves had posted bail after he was arrested over terrorism financing charges.

According to a report on Balitanghali on Friday, Teves was immediately released after posting bail of P600,000 for three counts of violation of Terrorism Financing Suppression Act of 2012.

His brother, former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., is also facing the same charges.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the elder Teves is facing deportation proceedings in Timor Leste.

The DOJ said there is enough evidence to show that the brothers are using some of their assets to fund terrorism-related activities.

Both have denied the allegations against them. 

In a statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it arrested Teves at 8:15 a.m. in Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

The PNP added that the younger Teves was tagged as a “most wanted person in Provincial Level No. 1 and Regional Level No. 1.”

Teves was designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) in August 2023 along with his brother and 11 others.

The ATC said their violations include committing terrorism; planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism; recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization; and providing material support to terrorists.

Arnie Teves is also accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others at the home of the then-governor on March 4, 2023.

He has denied the accusation, saying that he was out of the country at the time of the attack. However, he has never returned to the Philippines after going abroad. —VAL, GMA Integrated News