Pryde Teves: 'I am not hiding, I will face trial squarely'

Former governor of Negros Oriental Pryde Henry Teves expressed dismay at authorities tagging him as “Most Wanted Person” when he has not gone into hiding.

In fact, he said, he has been seen publicly.

"I have been always consistent with that, di ba? Law abiding naman tayo. I will never run away from obstacles. You know that's our duty to our citizens and then Kristiyano tayo eh. I will not run away from it. So ako na mismo ang pumunta," Teves said in a phone interview with GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak.

He said he anticipates the court trial so he could present his side.

“I’ll just have to face it squarely, if there's a trial then good at least I can show everything I have to show because right from the start, I am always been transparent. Remember, when this issue was brought up, I was the first to volunteer all my information, at binigay ko lahat, bank accounts ko, emails ko, lahat binigay ko na, para ma-check nila kung meron ba silang dapat pagdudahan sa pagkatao ko," Teves added.

He pointed out that he will never support terrorist activities as he is himself a victim of terrorism, the reason for the scars he sustained in various parts of his body.

In March 2023, Teves showed to members of the media these scars he sustained in the 2007 Batasang Pambansa bombing.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that he was able to talk to expelled congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr. who he said looked for a way to reach him.

"Ang lawyers niya, iba sa lawyers ko, kasi talagang right from the start we have always been, we live in different worlds. But it is what it is. Ang akin na lang is, be safety na lang. Ang para sa kanya gusto ko lang safety. Gusto ko lang buhay siya. At least buhay siya. If ever magkikita pa kami ulit, then good,” Teves said.

Teves posted bail worth P600,000 when he learned last June 19, 2024, Wednesday, that a warrant of arrest against him was about to be served.

He appeared at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Negros Oriental office to turn himself in on the following day.

He posted bail for three counts of alleged violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Law. —GMA Regional TV