By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has ordered an investigation over claims made by a Negros Oriental lawmaker for the alleged kidnapping.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander and the concurrent acting chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Visayas, said they will investigate 3rd District Congressman Arnulfo Teves, Jr.’s claims that three members of the Army’s elite Scout Rangers were allegedly hired to kidnap or kill him or his family members.

However, Arevalo said that from what they have gathered so far, Teves’ claims do not have any basis yet.

In a video posted on his social media page on Christmas Day, Teves claimed that the three soldiers tried to target him and his family when they recently arrived in Negros Oriental.

The soldiers were paid the initial amount of P250,000 each, he claimed.

Teves said that one of the three alleged hired hitmen would be rewarded with P40 million if they were able to successfully kidnap or kill him or his family members.

He also claimed that 50 long-powered firearms had arrived in Bacolod City which would be used for the hit.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) spokesperson, Police Major Anthony Jabar is urging Teves to file a formal complaint over the alleged hit on his family, as the latter has yet to file.

The NOPPO is already probing and verifying his claims./DGB, WDJ