Photo credit: facebook.com/ArnieTevesOfficial

Former Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who had been seeking asylum in Timor-Leste, was reportedly arrested in the country. The apprehension was first announced by Teves’ son, Axl, via a Facebook post early Wednesday, as reported by Unang Balita.

According to initial reports, no warrant or official documentation was presented at the time of Teves’ arrest by immigration officers in Timor-Leste. Local media outlet hatutan.com also confirmed Teves’ detention and placement under the custody of Timor-Leste’s immigration police. 

Teves is implicated as the alleged mastermind behind the fatal shooting of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023, which occurred at Degamo’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. Teves has consistently denied these accusations. 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Philippines acknowledged the unfolding events regarding Teves. The DOJ reiterated its readiness to facilitate Teves’ return to the Philippines to face charges, although an earlier extradition request by the Philippine government was denied by the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal in March. 

In a statement, the DOJ expressed welcome for Timor-Leste’s apparent shift in stance, suggesting Teves should not remain on their territory. However, the department is awaiting official action from Timor-Leste to determine whether Teves will be deported for being an undocumented foreigner or extradited under the existing application. The DOJ also stressed that it has not yet received any formal legal or official documents pertaining to Teves’ arrest. 

Beyond the Degamo case, Teves and other individuals are also facing charges in connection with the alleged killings of three people in Negros Oriental in 2019. Furthermore, Teves, along with twelve others, has been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, citing multiple alleged killings and instances of harassment in Negros Oriental. 

Teves was previously expelled from the House of Representatives in August of last year due to disorderly conduct and prolonged absence.