Manila: The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Negros Oriental congressman Arnie Teves Jr. The suit questioned the validity of a search warrant executed at his residence on March 10, 2023, which resulted in the discovery of multiple undocumented high-powered firearms and ammunition.

According to Philippines News Agency, the appellate court's 32-page decision, dated April 8, highlighted that there was no grave abuse of discretion by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 judge Renato Enciso. The search at the Teves household in Barangay Malabugas, Bayawan City led to a complaint for violations of Republic Act Nos. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and 9516 (law against illegal possession, manufacture, and dealing of explosives).

The CA emphasized that the discovery of additional firearms, ammunition, and explosives within Teves' residence could not be deemed an unreasonable search. The court stated that the search warrants authorized a comprehensive search of Teves' entire residential house and did not limit the search to specific rooms or areas. It was noted that the issuing judge could have restricted the search to specific quarters if intended, but did not do so.

Prior to the revocation of their gun licenses, initial record checks revealed that Teves had a license to own and possess 18 firearms. His son, former provincial board member Kurt Matthew Teves, was licensed for 23 firearms, while another son, Axl, did not hold a license.