After years in hiding, expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves has arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, 29 May 2025.
In a video statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was informed of this development by Timor-Leste Prime minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
On Wednesday, Teves was placed into custody by immigration authorities in Timor-Leste citing his extended stay poses a security risk in their country.
Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul Vazquez said Teves will be put into custody of the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration upon his arrival to the Philippines.
After Timor-Leste authorities turned over Teves to Philippine authorities, he was read his miranda rights.
According to the rights read to him, Teves faces charges of 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder and 4 counts of attempted murder, as stated in the warrant of arrest issued by a Manila court in September 2023 in relation for the ambush on Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo while distributing aid in his residence. Degamo is Teves’ political opponent.
The former lawmaker also faces charges for murder, illegal possession of explosives, illegal possession of firearms, and for violating the Terrorism Prevention and Suppression Act.
Teves has since denied his connection to these crimes.
Marcos said Teves’ actions will not go unpunished and will face justice for his alleged crimes.
“We would like also to assure all our citizens that such lawlessness will not go unpunished and it is now time for arnie Teves to face justice,” he said.
