Teves sits alone in jail cell

Former international fugitive ex-Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is sitting alone in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) jail facility at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) compound in Muntinlupa City following his extradition to the country from Timor-Leste last Thursday night.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago on Friday said Teves won’t have a cellmate to get him acclimated to the jail. He said this was not special treatment.

NBI National Capital Region Director Ferdinand Lavin said it was customary for a new detainee to be confined by himself for observation and since he came from another country.

“He came from another country after so long and has to be isolated first,” Lavin said. “It would be up to the court if he should be mixed in with the other prisoners later.”

Teves was arrested by Timor-Leste authorities on Tuesday, 27 May. Philippine authorities led by Santiago flew to that country on 29 May on a Philippine Air Force plane to pick him up.

Teves faces multiple murder and terrorism charges linked to the March 2023 killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others. Aside from the Degamo case, he is facing separate murder charges related to the 2019 killings of three persons in Negros Oriental, including former provincial board member Miguel Dungog.

Teves has repeatedly denied any involvement in Degamo’s assassination and has accused the government of political persecution.

“No problem’

In a press conference called by the NBI on Friday, Teves said he was ready to face anyone, including Degamo’s widow, Negros Oriental Third District Representative-elect Janice Degamo.

“No problem,” he said.

He expressed relief at finally being home and seeing his family, especially his mother. He said that after the charges against him were filed, he fled the Philippines in fear for his and his family’s safety.

“Of course, I’m sad because I’m going to be imprisoned. Here, you can be detained even if you haven’t been convicted yet. On the other hand, I’m also glad because I haven’t seen my mother in two years. My father passed away last December. I wasn’t able to come home, and that was quite painful. At least now this will finally be over, because even when I was abroad, I was thinking that even if I couldn’t go home, I would still have to face this and get it over with,” he said.

In the press briefing, Santiago said that Teves’s legal counsel and family members, including his mother, have been allowed access to him. “

We are giving Congressman Teves all his rights. There’s no forced evidence. We anticipated all of this,” Santiago added.

He said Teves was formally handed over by Timor-Leste immigration authorities to Philippine officials after all the necessary clearances and signatures had been obtained.

“You will see that he was transferred properly, under the authority of the immigration, and turned over to us,” Santiago said.

A swift trial

On Friday morning, Teves said all he wanted was a swift trial as his conscience was clear.

“My only request to the court is for the case to proceed quickly because, honestly, if the case is handled properly, it shouldn’t take long to resolve. I trust my lawyers, and my conscience is clear. I just hope the process is swift so this can finally be over,” Teves said.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) lauded the return of Teves as a landmark achievement in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign for accountability and the rule of law.

Upon arrival, Teves presented a travel document as his Philippine passport had been cancelled.

A representative from the BI was present to ensure that all protocols were properly observed, in accordance with existing laws and procedures.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the agency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and supporting inter-agency efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crimes.

“The BI stands firmly with the DoJ family, as well as our law enforcement and security agencies in ensuring that no individual evades justice, no matter where they flee,” said Viado.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the arrest of Teves sends a strong message that no one is above the law.

In a statement on Friday, Remulla said Teves’s arrest demonstrated the government’s unwavering resolve to pursue justice.

“Today, our government sent a clear message: justice is patient, persistent, and absolute and no one is beyond the reach of our laws,” Remulla said.

He added: “Upon instruction of the President, we have brought back to the Philippines Mr. Arnolfo Teves Jr. to face the murder charges that had been filed against him for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others on 4 March 4 2023.”

As the chair of Task Force Degamo, Remulla said the Department of the Interior and Local Government viewed the arrest as proof that the government will not stop until justice is served.

“This is the result of years of coordinated effort across government, guided by the priorities set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This arrest reflects the determination of our law enforcement agencies to track down and bring back those who attempt to evade justice,” Remulla said.

He said the DILG worked closely with the Department of Justice, Department of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies to ensure the safe and proper extradition of Teves.