Teves stays in Bilibid despite court order for transfer to Manila City Jail

National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago said Wednesday a Manila court has ordered the transfer of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the Manila City Jail.

Teves is currently detained at the NBI facility in the New Bilibid Prison in  Muntinlupa City.

“One court in Manila has already issued a commitment order, directing us to commit the person of congressman Teves to the Manila City Jail,” Santiago said in a press briefing.

However, Santiago said he halted the transfer, explaining that several courts in Manila are handling Teves’ cases.

“Baka mamaya ‘yung isang court na ‘yun na natanggap namin sa BJMP Manila, ‘yung isa naman sa Bicutan, ‘yung isa naman— so sabi ko sa aming warden, i-hold ninyo muna ‘yan,” Santiago said.

(It’s possible that one of the courts will order his detention to BJMP Manila, another one to Bicutan, and another one somewhere else—so I told our warden, hold them for now.)

According to the NBI, Teves is facing the following charges: 

• 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, four counts of attempted murder before the Manila regional trial court (RTC) Branch 51
• Murder case before the Manila RTC Branch 12
• Murder case before the Manila RTC Branch 15 
• Murder case before the Bayawan RTC Branch 63
• Illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of explosives at the Manila RTC Branch 12
• Terrorist Financing, prevention, and suppression act before the Quezon City RTC Branch 77

Meanwhile, Santiago said Teves’ camp has also filed a motion to consolidate the cases. 

“Antayin natin ang final decision ng Manila courts. Courts ha? Marami eh. Para finally ma-determine namin saan namin finally i-turn over si Congressman Teves,” Santiago said.

(Let’s wait for the final decision of the Manila courts. Courts, okay? There are several. So we can finally determine where we will finally turn over Congressman Teves.)

In the meantime, Santiago said he has ordered NBI personnel to give Teves his rights, to protect him, and to prevent his escape. —AOL, GMA Integrated News