Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves Jr. has been transferred on Friday afternoon to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
He was accompanied by his mother and his legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio.
In a press briefing, NBI Director Jaime Santiago explained that they have no detention facility since transferring from their office from Manila to Pasay.
“The Building 14 is distinct and separate from BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) where convicted [individuals] are imprisoned… It is the detention facility of the NBI under our control,” he said.
Santiago clarified that the detention facility is supervised and maintained by the NBI, separate from the BuCor.
Meanwhile, Teves expressed confidence with the NBI noting he feels ‘safer’ under its watch.
“I would like to thank Director [Santiago] and to all the staff of the NBI because they have treated me well since I was arrested until now,” he said.
The former lawmaker also underscored that he is ready to face the charges that was filed against him as well as the family of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.
He is charged with violation of 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and 4 counts of attempted murder under the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
Teves also urged other fugitives to surrender themselves before Santiago assuring them of a fair, impartial, and decent treatment.