Authorities arrested Thursday former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves for violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. The former governor, however, was able to post bail.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Negros Oriental arrested Teves at Dr. V. Locsin Street, Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City Thursday morning. The warrant was released on May 2024 by the Regional Trial Court Branch 74 Cebu City issued by Judge Marlon Moneva.

Teves posted P600,000 bail for 3 counts of his violation at the Regional Trial Court Branch 40 under executive judge Gerardo Paguio Jr.

Police Major Nazarino Emia, Chief of CIDG Negros Oriental, said Teves already visited the CIDG office after learning that police personnel were looking for him to serve his warrant.

“Nahibal-an siguro niya nga naay naconduct og manhunt sa iyaha, nag voluntarily siya. Pag-abot sa office giserve namo ang warrant sa iyaha. (When he knew that a manhunt was done, he voluntarily surrendered. When he reached the office, we served the warrant),” said Emia.

Pryde Henry Teves is the brother of expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., believed to be the mastermind in the slay of Governor Roel Degamo.

Negros Oriental Gov. Degamo killed in armed attack at home

The Anti-Terrorism Council also declared both brothers as terrorists due to their involvement in murder cases in the province.

Rep. Teves, 12 others tagged as 'terrorists' for alleged role in Degamo slay

For her part, window of slain governor Degamo, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo said that the arrest of Teves is “proof of our commitment to continue fighting for the rights of every NegOrense.”

“I promise I will never give up fighting until every member of the TTG (Teves Terrorist Group) faces justice for what they did to my husband and our province,” Degamo added.

She said that, although this first offense may be bailable, they are expecting many more charges to be filed against Teves.

“In the coming weeks and months including non-bailable offenses,” she further said.

Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said brothers Pryde Henry and Arnolfo Teves are facing terrorism financing charges which led to the arrest of Pryde Henry in Dumaguete City.

“The terrorism financing charges I think involve both Henry Pryde and former congressman Arnie Teves because they have been facing terrorism charges and there is sufficient evidence to show that certain assets or resources under their names are being utilized in the implementation of their terrorist activities that would constitute terrorism financing,” Andres said.

“He will have to face charges in court and he will be properly given his day in court to contest all these charges against him,” he added.

- Annie Perez, ABS-CBN News