By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The national government’s Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has tagged suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. and 12 others as “terrorists” in relation to several killings in the province, including the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo in March.
In a resolution signed on July 26 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the ATC classified Teves as the leader and mastermind of a “terrorist group.”
Teves’ brother, former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves, accused of allegedly providing material support for his brother’s terror group, was included in the list.
Also tagged as terrorists are Marvin Miranda, Rogelio Antipolo, Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Daniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Tomasino Aledro, Nigel Electona, Jomarie Catubay, and Hannah Mae Sumero Oray.
The group allegedly masterminded the attack on Degamo’s residential compound in Negros Oriental’s Pamplona town last March 4, which left nine dead, including the governor, and 18 others injured.
The ATC said the numerous killings and harassments in Negros Oriental, which culminated in the assassination of Degamo, must not be taken as isolated and random incidents of violence.
“[This serves] as a strong signal that the government is prepared to take decisive measures against any individual or organization that poses a threat to the safety and security of our citizens,” the ATC said.
The council found probable cause for violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act for planning, training, preparing, and facilitating the commission of terrorism; recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization; and providing material support to terrorist organizations or groups organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that designating Teves as a terrorist could aid the government in his apprehension as member states of the United Nations may be compelled to surrender him as a fugitive under the duty of rendition.
Teves’ whereabouts remain unknown.
Meanwhile, Teves’ legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio called ATC’s statement “baseless terror-tagging.”
He added the designation was “an obsessive attempt to blame him [Teves] for a crime at the expense of his Constitutional rights.”
“It is thus a sad day for the Rule of Law in this country, and a shocking reminder that even under a constitutional and republican regime, the return to a government of men and not of laws can always ensue, especially for those targeted for destruction,” Topacio said in a statement yesterday.
He added that they are not surprised by the move.
He has also accused the government of weaponizing the Anti-Terrorism Act for a purpose for which it was not designed.
Meanwhile, Pryde Henry said he is planning to appeal ATC’s resolution.
“Kailangan kong i-appeal ‘yan dahil, it will really give me a hard time making a living,” he said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
Atty. Russel Miraflor — the legal counsel for Antipolo, Pataguan and Lora — said the accused were never involved in acts of terrorism, adding that designation is part of the government’s persecution against Teves and those alleged to be acquainted with him.
For his part, Michael Mella, representing Electona, stated that the ATC’s resolution has no factual and legal anchorage, but is based on “planted and fabricated evidence.”/With reports from PNA, GMA Integrated News / DGB, WDJ