22-3-2024 (MANILA) Expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was arrested in Timor-Leste on Thursday, announced the Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to the DOJ, Teves Jr., labelled as a “terrorist,” was apprehended in Dili, Timor-Leste around 4 p.m. while engaging in a game of golf.
Teves Jr. is facing numerous murder charges related to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and five others in March 2023.
The DOJ credited the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the International Police (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Dili, along with the Timor-Leste Police, for Teves’s arrest.
In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla expressed the significance of international cooperation in apprehending Teves. He emphasized that no terrorist could escape justice, underscoring the unity of nations in safeguarding their citizens’ safety and security.
Look: Drone footage of the arrest of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., in Dili East Timor yesterday at around 4:00pm while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar.
Courtesy: NBI pic.twitter.com/a5U07fSkbW— Niko Baua (@Nikobaua) March 22, 2024
Presently, Teves is in the custody of Timor-Leste Police, with arrangements underway for his extradition to the Philippines by NCB-Dili in conjunction with the teams from NCB-Manila and the Philippine Embassy in Dili.
Remulla reiterated that Teves’s capture highlights the effectiveness of collective efforts in thwarting terrorism and preserving peace. He urged Teves to face his long-delayed trial without any conditions.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, wife of the late Governor Roel Degamo, welcomed Teves Jr.’s arrest, stating in a Facebook post that the mastermind behind her husband’s murder had finally been apprehended. She expressed relief and gratitude, adding, “Glory to the living God!”
In February, Interpol issued a “red notice” against Teves Jr., characterizing it as a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest him pending extradition or similar legal action.
The DOJ, through the Bureau of Immigration, issued two alert list orders against Teves in February. Additionally, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 ordered the immediate cancellation of Teves Jr.’s passport.
Teves Jr. was expelled from the House of Representatives in August 2023 due to prolonged absences from his duties and amid allegations of orchestrating Governor Degamo’s assassination.
