DOJ mobilizes repatriation team for Teves

The Department of Justice (DOJ) welcomed the firm and decisive move by the Government of Timor-Leste to order the administrative deportation of Filipino national Arnolfo Teves Jr., who faces multiple criminal charges in the Philippines, including the alleged assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

According to official deportation documents released by Timor-Leste’s Ministry of the Interior, and following strong statements from its government spokesperson, the DOJ has formed a joint team composed of representatives from the DOJ, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to work closely with Timorese authorities and ensure Teves’ safe and lawful return to the Philippines.

The DOJ also noted the statement from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste, which declared Teves' presence a threat to national security and public order, citing the gravity of the charges and his lack of legal status in the country.

The deportation order, which takes immediate effect, includes a 10-year re-entry ban and is anchored in Timor-Leste’s domestic migration and asylum laws, as well as its commitment to international cooperation and ASEAN solidarity. The Timorese government stressed that sheltering fugitives undermines the fight against transnational crime and strains diplomatic relations.

"As we await the arrival of Mr. Teves, the Philippine Government assures the public and the international community that due process will be strictly observed, and that justice will be pursued without fear or favor. Justice will prevail," the DOJ said.