Teves Deported from Timor-Leste, Back in PH

Teves Deported from Timor-Leste, Back in PH

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationweekcom 

May 30, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., identified as the alleged mastermind in the assassination of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, has returned to the Philippines after being deported by authorities in Timor-Leste, where he had sought asylum.

Teves arrived in Davao City at 7:40 p.m. for a brief stopover before proceeding to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Thursday (May 29, 2025).

He was escorted by government authorities to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters in Manila for processing and a medical examination.

In a video statement addressing the nation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed Teves’ return, stating, “The former representative is now back in the Philippines.”

He underscored the gravity of the charges against Teves, which include nine counts of murder related to the ambush killing of Degamo, as he assured the public that such acts of lawlessness will not go unpunished.

The President added that he had received confirmation from Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao on the country’s readiness to facilitate Teves’ return.

“This would not have been possible without the assistance of President Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao of Timor-Leste, who have worked diligently to bring this matter to a close,” Marcos said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated that Teves is likely to be detained at an NBI facility for safety concerns.

Following his detention, Teves is expected to be presented in court for arraignment.

Teves faces a series of charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder, arising from the March 4, 2023, attack on the Degamo residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, which resulted in the deaths of Degamo and 10 others.

He is also implicated in the alleged killing of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Alongside 10 others, Teves has been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council for various alleged violent acts in Mindanao.

He was expelled from the House of Representatives in August last year for disorderly conduct and prolonged absence.

Teves’ legal representative, Ferdinand Topacio, expressed frustration over being denied access to his client upon arrival.

“NBI Director Santiago assured us that Congressman Teves would be able to speak with his lawyers upon his arrival. We would like to ascertain who is in charge here at the base,” Topacio told Air Force personnel at Villamor Air Base.

Upon his inquiries, Teves had already left the airbase, leaving his legal team uncertain of his whereabouts.

Topacio, accompanied by Teves’ mother, said he would proceed to the NBI headquarters in Manila to locate his client.

“We are witnesses to how deceptive and evasive our authorities have been. Director Santiago assured us that we could speak with him, yet he is now untraceable. We will head to the NBI’s office,” he told reporters.

“We are prepared to ensure that Teves’ rights are upheld,” he said.