One of several illegal firearms complaints vs Teves junked

In a surprising turn of events, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed the dismissal of an illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions, and explosives complaint against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. 

The announcement was made by DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano on Saturday, citing "lack of evidence" against Teves as the reason for the dismissal of the complaint. 

But the DOJ official clarified that only one of the complaints was dismissed, noting that eight complaints was filed against thè embattled lawmaker. 

Clavano also revealed that Teves was not arrested when the police authorities raided one of his homes.

The DOJ, in a resolution signed by Prosecution Atty. Victor Dalanao Jr. and with the approval of Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon, stated that the complaint was "not a proper subject for inquest since he was not arrested during the implementation of the search."

The case against Teves stemmed from a raid conducted by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on several properties owned by the congressman last March 7 in search of loose firearms. 

The houses are located in Purok 4, Barangay Poblacion, Basay, Negros Oriental.

The PNP-CIDG conducted the operations by virtue of search warrants issued against Teves Jr. and one Jose Palo Gimarangan for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9516 and RA 10591, respectively.

During the raid, the team was able to confiscate a .45 caliber pistol and magazine, two .40 caliber pistol and magazines, a rifle scope, one hand grenade, and .45 and .40 caliber pistol bullets.

Despite the seizure of the weapons, the DOJ found that there was not enough evidence to proceed to a regular preliminary investigation with regard to Teves

 "Considering that there is not enough evidence to proceed to a regular preliminary investigation with regard to him, the complaint against respondent Teves is dismissed," Dalanao said in the resolution.

Teves, who has been linked to the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, has not yer returned to the country as he expressed concerns about his safety.