The Philippine government took custody of former representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. last night following Timor-Leste’s decision to deport him to face charges in relation to the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a video released by the Palace at about 8 p.m., confirmed Teves’ arrival in the country, disembarking from a Philippine Air Force plane after refuelling in Davao City.

Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, described the former lawmaker’s arrest in Timor Leste as a “total mess,” criticizing the Timorese executive branch for allegedly undermining the decision of its own judiciary.

Topacio cited a ruling by the Tribunal de Recursos, Timor-Leste’s highest court, which he said declared Teves’ extradition illegal due to credible threats to his life and the risk of torture or inhumane treatment in the Philippines.

“There is also a pending habeas corpus case,” Topacio added, noting that the court had issued a 48-hour order for Teves to be presented in court — an order that was allegedly ignored by Timor-Leste’s executive branch.

Despite the deportation, Topacio said the issue has become “moot and academic” with Teves’ arrival in the Philippines. Nevertheless, he said his legal team is prepared to act once local proceedings resume.

“We’ve already taken steps by coordinating with the DoJ, NBI and Bureau of Immigration,” he said, adding that they had requested information about Teves’ flight, including its expected time and location of arrival.

Topacio emphasized the government’s duty to uphold due process, insisting that Teves must be allowed legal representation.

“As of now, we are Congressman Teves’ chosen legal counsel,” he said, expressing concern that authorities have not provided any updates. He also warned that the expected landing at a military airbase could hinder their access to Teves.

“We are ready and will step up when the time comes,” he said. “We will exhaust all legal avenues to protect the rights and interests of our client. We firmly believe he has committed no wrongdoing.”

The Department of Justice (DoJ) yesterday lauded the move by Timor-Leste, calling it a firm and decisive act that upholds international cooperation and ASEAN solidarity.

Teves, who is facing multiple charges, including murder and frustrated murder, is accused of masterminding the March 2023 attack that killed Degamo and nine others in what has become known as the Pamplona Massacre.”

“The government of Timor-Leste emphasized that harboring fugitives undermines efforts to combat transnational crime and disrupts diplomatic relations between sovereign states,” the DoJ said Thursday.

The deportation documents cited Teves’ presence as a threat to public order and national security, leading to his immediate removal and a 10-year ban on re-entry.

Philippine authorities have deployed a joint team composed of representatives from the DoJ, the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation to coordinate with Timorese officials on Teves’ repatriation.

Timor-Leste’s decision came after years of failed Philippine attempts to extradite Teves, who had been living in that country and sought asylum there.

An earlier court ruling had blocked his extradition on human rights grounds. However, Timorese President José Ramos-Horta had lately called for his removal, asserting that the country must not be a haven for fugitives.

The move was also seen as part of East Timor’s preparations for its full accession into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which requires strong regional legal cooperation.

Meanwhile, Degamo’s widow, Negros Oriental Representative-elect Janice Degamo, cautiously welcomed the news.

In a radio interview Thursday, she admitted initial skepticism over reports of Teves’ arrest, describing it as potentially another “publicity ploy.”

“I thought at first, it’s another drama. But later in the day, I received multiple news articles from Timor-Leste, and later on it became something,” she said, adding that she has not contacted Philippine officials to avoid interfering with the ongoing efforts.

Earlier, Degamo expressed concern over video footage that showed Teves in what appeared to be comfortable surroundings in Dili, contradicting earlier reports of his detention.

“It was when that video showed up that I saw it’s a good life if you look at where he was taken,” she said. “From time to time he was active on his social media account.”

Despite the legal pushback, the DoJ said due process will be strictly observed upon Teves’ return. “Justice will be pursued without fear or favor,” it added.

Degamo described the deportation as a long-awaited victory not just for her family but for the people of Negros Oriental.

“For over two years, our message has been clear — those responsible must be held accountable, no matter how far they run or how long they hide.”