Detained and expelled lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. will not receive any special treatment at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, and will be without a cellmate only temporarily, his counsel clarified.

Earlier, National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago said Teves would be given a solo room to “acclimatize him to being a detainee.”

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for Teves, told the media that his client has “agreed” to follow all rules for detainees, “including sharing of cells.”

The lawyer added that the arrangement was meant to prevent criticism of Santiago, whom he said he holds “in the highest regard.”

After his deportation on 29 May from Timor-Leste, Teves was brought in a bulletproof vehicle to the NBI detention facility inside Bilibid. He wore a bulletproof vest and Kevlar helmet during the transfer.

Santiago confirmed that Teves would be moved to a Bureau of Corrections facility.

"Mr. Teves is in a ten-square meter cell with a bunk bed and another inmate, with a common toilet bowl and a small electric fan, the same as any other cell," Topacio said.

Teves, the alleged mastermind in the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others, is facing multiple murder charges. He is also facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and alleged terrorist financing.

He has consistently denied the allegations and said he left the country due to threats to his safety.

The Timor-Leste government was assured by the Department of Justice that conditions surrounding Teves’ deportation would be respected.