Due to safety concerns and Timor-Leste’s compliance with international agreements, the legal team of former congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. has filed an urgent motion requesting his continued detention at a high-security facility under the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The former solon, who faces charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, as well as alleged involvement in multiple murders, was forcibly deported from Timor-Leste on 29 May 2025, despite a court ruling there that blocked his extradition over concerns of "torture or inhuman treatment" in the Philippines.
The Timor-Leste Tribunal de Recursos had cited testimony from human rights experts and Philippine officials in its decision.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), upon Teves’ repatriation, signed a "Certificate of Handover" with Timor-Leste, guaranteeing his protection from torture and access to legal and medical care.
The motion argues that these commitments obligate the government to detain Teves in a DOJ-controlled facility, specifically Building 14 at the National Bilibid Prison compound, which is managed by the NBI.
Building 14 was described by lawyers of Teves as compliant with international detention standards, emphasizing its secure environment and low risk of violence compared to overcrowded jails.
They also raised concerns about potential retaliation from victims’ families, noting Teves’ high-profile case.
The motion referenced precedents, such as the detention of former senators Leila de Lima and Juan Ponce Enrile in specialized facilities, to support their request.
If the motion is granted, Teves would remain under NBI custody pending trial, ensuring adherence to the terms of his repatriation. But the court has yet to issue a ruling.