“FAKE NEWS”
This was how suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. reacted when asked to confirm the claims made by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla that he is returning back to the Philippines within the day.
“Fake news. Dapat tinanong muna nila ako bago sila nagsalita,” Teves said in an interview over government radio station Radyo Pilipinas.
On Tuesday evening, Remulla, citing a “reliable source” whom he said has access to flight data into the country, revealed that Teves may be coming home from Timor Leste today.
Teves applied for political asylum in the said country but was previously rejected.
Remulla had said that Teves seems to be the main mastermind in the March 4 shooting at the home of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo that led to the death of 10 people and the injuries of several others.
Pressed further if he will be seeking for political asylum in Timor-Leste, Teves said Remulla can answer the question on his stead.
“Tanungin mo na lang si Boying, alam niya siguro ‘yun. Mas marami siyang alam sa akin eh,” Teves said.
Remulla said on May 9 that the Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste had informed them that Teves is in Dili, where he applied for a protection visa with the intent of asylum.
Catherine R. Cueto
