16/01/2026
𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙈𝙀𝙍 𝙍𝙀𝙋. 𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙀 𝙏𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙎 𝘼𝘾𝙌𝙐𝙄𝙏𝙏𝙀𝘿.
ll By: Chito Mabaquiao Berjit Jr. ll
January 16, 2026
Former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., along with two co-accused, was acquitted by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 on Friday in a 2019 murder case involving the killing of Miguel Lopez Dungog, a former provincial board member of Negros Oriental.
The court granted the accused’s demurrers to evidence, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against them.
Despite the acquittal, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Teves will stay in custody as he faces multiple pending criminal charges. These include counts of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder connected to the 2023 killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and several other individuals.
Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ legal counsel, stated that the verdict proves the case was a "harassment suit meant to persecute a political opponent." Meanwhile, the DOJ advised the public to rely only on official information and noted it will review the court order once received to explore all available legal options.Former Rep. Arnie Teves Acquitted in 2019 Murder Case, Remains in Custody Over Other Charges. ll ANB NEWS ll 📷ctto ll. # # #