The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started the process of designating suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves as a terrorist.
In a press conference on Wednesday, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla said they have formally filed a case before the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) to tag Teves as a terrorist.
"I told them the provisions of law under Section 35 of the law in relation to Section 4A and other provisions of the Anti-Terror Act. It's part of the process of designation," he explained.
Teves is being tagged as the "main mastermind" in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo last March 4.
According to the DOJ chief, the ATC has formed a technical working group tasked to process the recommended designation.
He explained that the technical group will later hold a plenary session, and if no one objected, it is possible that the Negros Oriental Congressman will be officially declared a terrorist.
"We'll see if there will be a request for further study. I think the case is very clear. We expect challenges but that's part of it as the new law," Remulla added.
The DOJ chief said multiple murders and multiple attempted frustrated murders will be filed against the Negros Congressman "soon".
Apart from Teves, Remulla said the justice department is also seeking to declare Marvin Miranda and three other alleged members of the Teves Criminal Group or Teves Criminal Investigation as terrorists.
Earlier, the DOJ chief said designating Teves as a "terrorist" will prompt him to return home to the country and surrender.
