MANILA, Philippines — Detained former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is set to undergo major surgery, his legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said Tuesday.

According to Topacio, Teves was examined at a government hospital from morning until mid-afternoon, where doctors recommended that he be transferred to another facility with more advanced medical equipment.

“Mr. Teves’ condition requires major surgery in another hospital with additional equipment and facilities,” the lawyer said in a statement.

Following medical advice, government doctors recommended Teves’ transfer to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City, in accordance with Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) protocols for emergency cases.

Topacio added that all courts handling Teves’ pending cases have been informed of the situation through the “most expeditious means possible.”

Teves is currently facing multiple murder and terrorism charges in connection with the March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and several others.

He was arrested in Timor-Leste in March 2024 after months in hiding, following his refusal to return to the Philippines despite repeated orders from authorities.

In August 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Teves as a terrorist — a first for a former elected official — citing alleged links to a private armed group and a series of killings in Negros Oriental.

The Department of Justice later filed formal charges against him and several co-accused before the regional trial court.

Teves has denied all accusations and insisted that the charges are politically motivated. He was deported to the Philippines in May 2025 and has since been detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.