Expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was apprehended in Timor-Leste earlier today at around 8:00 PM local time by immigration authorities, according to his son, Axl Teves.
In a social media post, Axl claimed his father was "forcefully arrested without legal documents or an arrest warrant." Teves is accused of being the mastermind behind the assassination of his political rival, former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, and eight others in March 2023. He was expelled from the House of Representatives in August 2023 and later designated a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
His brother, former Governor Pryde Henry Teves, along with 11 others, was also tagged as a terrorist for alleged involvement in multiple killings and other violent acts in the province.
East Timor President José Ramos-Horta on Tuesday said his government does not want former Philippine congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. to remain in the country, citing national interest. Teves is facing multiple murder charges in the Philippines, including alleged involvement in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
The Philippine Department of Justice responded to the development, with Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano stating that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will issue an official statement soon.
Teves' legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, confirmed to DAILY TRIBUNE that his client was detained by Timorese immigration authorities.
"At around 8 PM yesterday (Dili time), our client, Rep. Arnolfo Teves, was taken from his residence in Dili together with his Timor-Leste counsel, Dr. Joao Serra, by immigration police," Topacio said. "The lawyer was manhandled by the said police."
Topacio added that Teves and his lawyer are currently being held inside the compound of the Ministry of the Interior. He noted that no warrant or written authority was presented to justify their detention.
“Mr. Teves has counsel inside the compound,” Topacio said. “No further details as of this time.”