Arnie Teves' condition has slightly improved — Topacio

A week since his surgery, the condition of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, who is facing multiple murder charges, has slightly improved, his legal counsel said Wednesday.

“After almost four days of not being able to take anything orally, he may now feed himself by mouth with soft foods. The pain has also eased up, but still present. He is also slowly gaining strength,” lawyer Ferdinand Topacio told reporters.

“Barring any unforeseen medical events, it is expected that his recovery will continue in the days to come,” he added.

Teves underwent an appendectomy at the Philippine General Hospital last week.

Meanwhile, Topacio said their camp has asked the courts to defer Teves’ hearings.

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

He and several others have also been charged with the alleged killings of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

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. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News