Expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday, June 17, after suffering from severe stomach pain while in detention, his legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio confirmed.
Topacio said that his client began experiencing intense abdominal pain around midnight Monday, June 16 and had earlier received initial medical attention by the in-house medical personnel at around 5:00 a.m. while detained at the Metro Manila District Jail Annex II in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, in a report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort.
"My client, former Rep. Teves, was rushed to the hospital this morning. He has been complaining of severe stomach pains since midnight last night, but was given medical attention at 5 in the morning and transported to the hospital an hour ago," Topacio said in a statement.
Topacio criticized the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel for allegedly delaying Teves’ transfer to a hospital, citing jail protocols.
He recounted that Teves was “practically on his knees” begging to be brought to a hospital.
“Our client was buckling over due to pain. According to him, he was practically on his knees, requesting to be brought to a hospital for treatment, but BJMP personnel could not grant the request due to 'protocol,'” Topacio said.
“It was only when I arrived at around 7:00 a.m. that he was finally brought to a hospital. By then, the pain had worsened,” he added.
Teves is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency room of an undisclosed medical facility.
Topacio further said that while painkillers have somewhat eased the discomfort, his client remains in significant pain.
“Further tests are needed to determine [the] cause of ailment," said Topacio.
Meanwhile, the authorities from BJMP also confirmed the condition of the former lawmaker.
"Following standard procedures, PDL Teves was brought to the nearest public hospital per advise from the BJMP Roving Physician due to severe stomach pain," BJMP said.
“BJMPs timeline may be more accurate as to the onset of symptoms because they were actually there last night,” the agency added.
Teves, who was expelled from the House of Representatives in August 2023, is currently in detention on multiple charges, including murder in connection with the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
