Ex-congressman Arnie Teves enters not guilty plea for firearms and explosives charges

On Thursday, a Manila court entered a not guilty plea on behalf of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves Jr., who is facing charges related to illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Teves appeared for arraignment at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 where he invoked his right to remain silent, escorted by National Bureau of Investigation agents and clad in a bulletproof vest and helmet.

The court granted a motion filed by the prosecution to consolidate the illegal possession of explosives case with the firearms case and scheduled the next hearing for July 29, 2025.

In addition to these charges, Teves faces multiple murder and attempted murder charges over killings in Negros Oriental and has been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

Teves was arrested after evading authorities for two years and was deported from Timor-Leste on May 29.

His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, filed a motion to consolidate all cases against Teves in one court to ensure clarity regarding his detention.