Manila Times
Upholding Truth. Empowering the Philippines
Friday, May 30, 2025
The Nation's Story is Told with Honor
Arrest of Arnolfo Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste Amid Extradition Controversy
The expelled Philippine representative faces legal battles following his arrest linked to murder and terrorism charges.
Arnolfo Teves Jr., the expelled representative from Negros Oriental, was arrested on February 27, 2024, in Dili City, Timor-Leste.
Teves is accused of orchestrating the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023. The arrest, confirmed by Teves' son Axl and his lawyer, occurred without a warrant, with claims from Axl stating that immigration authorities executed the arrest forcefully.
Footage shared by Axl showed Teves alongside his Portuguese attorney, Joao Serra, protesting against the arrest, insisting that they were being held against their will.
Timor-Leste President José Ramos Horta commented, emphasizing national interest as a factor in the decision, asserting the aim was to prevent Timor-Leste from becoming a refuge for criminals.
Teves first came under arrest in March 2024, following an Interpol Red Notice requested by the Philippine government, which implicated him in multiple counts of murder and financing terrorism under national law.
The allegations include his role in a violent raid that resulted in multiple fatalities, among them being his political rival.
The case has drawn attention not just locally but also at the regional level, as Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla noted that complications surrounding Teves' extradition could have implications for Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership aspirations.
In both June and December 2024, Philippine courts granted requests for his extradition but faced legal challenges leading to a reversal by the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal.
Reportedly, Teves has also submitted a petition for political asylum in Timor-Leste.
His expulsion from the House of Representatives in August 2023 was attributed to disorderly conduct and absenteeism.
As of February 28, his legal team successfully obtained a writ of habeas corpus from the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal, effectively halting any immediate deportation or transfer to the Philippines.
The court mandated that the Attorney General must respond to the habeas corpus request within 48 hours.
Officials in the Philippines, including Department of Justice spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV, stated they remain prepared to facilitate the transfer of custody once official communication is received from Dili regarding Teves' status and the reasons for his detention.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil indicated the readiness of the PNP Custodial Center to accommodate Teves if he is returned to the Philippines.
Teves' arrest occurred during the ASEAN summit, highlighting the geopolitical context surrounding his extradition.
Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, expressed that Teves' arrest marks a crucial step towards justice for the victims of the March 4, 2023 tragedy.
Teves is accused of orchestrating the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023. The arrest, confirmed by Teves' son Axl and his lawyer, occurred without a warrant, with claims from Axl stating that immigration authorities executed the arrest forcefully.
Footage shared by Axl showed Teves alongside his Portuguese attorney, Joao Serra, protesting against the arrest, insisting that they were being held against their will.
Timor-Leste President José Ramos Horta commented, emphasizing national interest as a factor in the decision, asserting the aim was to prevent Timor-Leste from becoming a refuge for criminals.
Teves first came under arrest in March 2024, following an Interpol Red Notice requested by the Philippine government, which implicated him in multiple counts of murder and financing terrorism under national law.
The allegations include his role in a violent raid that resulted in multiple fatalities, among them being his political rival.
The case has drawn attention not just locally but also at the regional level, as Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla noted that complications surrounding Teves' extradition could have implications for Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership aspirations.
In both June and December 2024, Philippine courts granted requests for his extradition but faced legal challenges leading to a reversal by the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal.
Reportedly, Teves has also submitted a petition for political asylum in Timor-Leste.
His expulsion from the House of Representatives in August 2023 was attributed to disorderly conduct and absenteeism.
As of February 28, his legal team successfully obtained a writ of habeas corpus from the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal, effectively halting any immediate deportation or transfer to the Philippines.
The court mandated that the Attorney General must respond to the habeas corpus request within 48 hours.
Officials in the Philippines, including Department of Justice spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV, stated they remain prepared to facilitate the transfer of custody once official communication is received from Dili regarding Teves' status and the reasons for his detention.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil indicated the readiness of the PNP Custodial Center to accommodate Teves if he is returned to the Philippines.
Teves' arrest occurred during the ASEAN summit, highlighting the geopolitical context surrounding his extradition.
Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, expressed that Teves' arrest marks a crucial step towards justice for the victims of the March 4, 2023 tragedy.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
