CA orders removal of Henry Pryde Teves from ATC resolution designating him as terrorist

The Court of Appeals’ Special Former Sixth Division has ordered the removal of former Negros Oriental Governor Henry Pryde Teves from an Anti-Terrorism Council resolution designating him as a terrorist.

In its decision, the CA found and hold that the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) “acted with grave abuse of discretion in issuing the assailed resolutions in that petitioner's (Teves) designation as a terrorist was without probable cause and was in gross application of Our law against terrorism.”

“The designation being improper, the corresponding freezing of his assets is likewise unjustified,” it added.

The CA recalled that the ATC and AMLC had presented witnesses who claimed that Teves violated Section 4(a) of the Anti Terrorism Act in that for allegedly orchestrating certain criminal acts, such as killings, attempts to kill, threats, and harassments.

“However, not one of the witnesses had any personal knowledge that petitioner masterminded or ordered the commission of these crimes. All respondents' witnesses had were mere suspicion; suspicion that was based on their notion that the victims were either petitioner's political opponents, supporters of political opponents, or critics, as well as individuals who did not comply with petitioner's demands for financial gain,” the decision read.

The CA added that Teves’ suspension might be reasonable for some other crime, “but not for the purpose of designating petitioner as a terrorist.”

“WHEREFORE, the petition is GRANTED. Accordingly, ATC Resolution Number 50 (2023) and ATC Resolution No. 56 (2024) are REVERSED and SET ASIDE. The name PRYDE HENRY A. TEVES, and all reference to said individual, is ORDERED DELISTED and/or STRICKEN from ATC Resolution Number 43 (2023) and its concomitant sanction freeze order, Resolution No. TF69,” the decision read.

Approved on July 26, 2023 ATC’s Resolution Number 43 tagged Teves, along with his brother, former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. and 11 others, as terrorists after allegedly violating some provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The elder Teves then filed for delisting before the ATC, as well as a motion to lift the freeze order issued against him.

The ATC Resolution No. 50 however, denied his request for delisting, prompting Teves to file for a motion for reconsideration.

His motion for reconsideration was denied in March 2024. He filed a petition seeking to nullify ATC Resolution Number 43 (2023), ATC Resolution Number 50 (2023) denying his request for delisting, and ATC Resolution No. 56 (2024) denying his motion for reconsideration. —VAL, GMA Integrated News