Arnie Teves pleads not guilty to gun charges

Former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives before Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12.

The court entered the plea after Teves invoked his right to remain silent, with his lawyer citing unresolved legal issues surrounding his deportation from Timor-Leste.

Teves' lawyer explained that their objection was symbolic, protesting what they claimed was an unlawful repatriation, as the extradition was denied by a final decision in Timor-Leste.

The charges stem from firearms, explosives, and ammunition seized by authorities in a raid at his home in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental in March 2023.

The prosecution intends to present 13 witnesses, while the defense plans to call 23, including Teves, his son Axl, and his lawyer.

Following the arraignment, the court scheduled pre-trial and hearings for the formal trial, with the next hearing set for July 29 and succeeding hearings lasting until 2027.

Teves, who faces separate murder and frustrated murder charges in various courts, was under heavy guard during his court appearance and was returned to the National Bureau of Investigation custodial facility.