Speaker Martin Romualdez has not heard from Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves since the House leader urged him to return to the Philippines and face charges in the death of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Romualdez said in a statement on Monday that Teves' stay outside the country is no longer authorized by the House of Representatives.
Teves is currently in the United States for medical reasons. His authorization to travel was only valid from February 28 to March 9, 2023.
Romualdez stated that Philippine National Police (PNP) officials expressed their willingness to provide security to protect Teves if he returns to the country.
Teves' name surfaced during the investigation into Degamo's death, but the PNP was quick to clarify that the identity of the mastermind behind the attack had not yet been determined.
According to PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Teves has yet to communicate with the PNP about the matter, as well as the recovery of various firearms and ammunition in his residences in the Negros Oriental, which were the subject of search warrant operations last week.
Azurin, on the other hand, stated that they could not hold Teves in custody until an arrest warrant was issued.
