Teves rushed to hospital due to stomach ache

Ex-lawmaker needs surgery – lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly a week after he was transferred to the Metro Manila District Jail at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. was rushed to a hospital yesterday due to severe stomach pains.

Teves was taken to a government hospital at around 6 a.m. after he complained of stomach ache, according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Ferdinand Topacio, lawyer for Teves, said his client needs to undergo a major surgery.

Topacio said government doctors recommended that Teves be transferred to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig.

“His transfer is under process following BJMP protocols involving emergency cases,” Topacio said. “He was buckling over due to pain. He was on his knees, requesting to be brought to a hospital.”

BJMP spokesman Superintendent Jayrex Joseph Bustinera said Teves first complained of stomach ache on Sunday night.

Teves was given first aid treatment and medication, Bustinera said.

“When his condition did not improve, the BJMP physician recommended his transfer to the nearest public hospital,” Bustinera said.

Teves is facing murder charges over the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023.

He eluded arrest for two years until he was deported from Timor-Leste in May. — Mark Ernest Villeza