Detained former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves’ operation at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Wednesday was a success, announced his legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.
“I am very happy to report that the operation on Rep. Arnie Teves at the Philippines General Hospital (PGH) was successful. He is now recuperating well,” Topacio said.
He thanked University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee, who arranged Teves’ immediate transfer from an unnamed hospital to PGH, as well as Dr. Marc Paul Lopez and his team, for treating a “potentially … life-threatening medical condition.”
According to a report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, Teves had undergone an appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix, typically when it is inflamed or infected. The surgery was purportedly performed in the early morning hours of Wednesday, following his transfer to PGH late Tuesday night.
Should Teves wish to remain in the hospital, the request must go through and obtain court approval, said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera.
After the period of emergency—referring to the disruption in regular procedure—the court dictates the movements of all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), Bustinera told DZRH. Once Teves’ discharge papers are issued, he is to be promptly sent back to the Metro Manila District Jail Annex 2 in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.
As of reporting, they have yet to receive the former lawmaker’s medical clearance.
On Tuesday, Topacio said Teves was falling over due to stomach pains which had begun at midnight and was initially denied access to a hospital. He was, however, brought to an unnamed public hospital at around 7 a.m., where he was examined and recommended for surgery at a hospital with better equipment and facilities.
