The arraignment of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr. for one of his murder cases before a Manila court was rescheduled to July 14, his lawyer said on Monday, June 30.

According to Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, they filed a motion to defer the hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 last week due to Teves’ appendectomy.

“The subject of the arraignment is not physically fit to attend the hearing personally,” Topacio told GMA News Online.

According to Topacio, Teves may be discharged soon as he is still experiencing some pain.

Teves is facing murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder cases over the alleged killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and 10 others in 2023.

Aside from this, he is facing an illegal possession of firearms and explosives case before a Manila court.

Teves has refused to enter a plea in his cases, prompting various Manila courts to enter a not guilty plea for him.

The Anti-Terrorism Council has designated him and others as terrorists, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental. (GMA Integrated News)