By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the Manila Reginal Trial Court’s (RTC) Branch 51’s order to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passport of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Saturday (10 Feb 2024) said this only proves that no one can escape justice.
The Manila RTC Branch 51 noted that when the March 4, 2023, killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others took place, Teves was in the United States under a travel authority that covered the period from February 9, 2023, to March 9, 2023, but failed to return to the country.
It also issued a warrant of arrest against Teves in September 2023 while the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) designated him and others as terrorists.
The prosecution was able to establish that Teves is a fugitive from justice, the court further noted.
“Sinasabi ng taumbayan nasaan ‘yung hustisya? Ito yung hustisya,” Abalos said.
“Well ganito lang ‘yan. ‘Yung tungkol sa pagkansela ng passport ni Mr. Teves, tandaan niyo ito, walang makakaligtas sa hustisya,” the DILG chief explained.
The court said that It also directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to take proper steps for Teves to be brought back to the country.
However, Teves’ counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio maintained that the court order is not final and executory.
But the DILG chief appeared to be thinking on the contrary.
“Tandaan niyo ‘yan, sooner or later maski saan ka magtago hahanapin ka ng batas at mananagot ka sa mga kasalanan mo at yan ang sinasabi sa ating mga kababayan,” Abalos said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
