Former Philippine congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who was previously expelled from the House of Representatives, was taken into custody on Tuesday evening at his residence in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. The arrest, which was confirmed by his son Axl Teves through a short social media video posted the following day, has reignited controversy over the long-running murder case he is implicated in.
Teves, who once served as the representative for the third district of Negros Oriental, has been under intense scrutiny since 2023, when he was accused of orchestrating the fatal attack on Governor Roel Degamo. The assassination was among a string of politically motivated killings that rocked the province and the country.
Allegations of an “Illegal” Arrest
In a brief online video, Axl Teves shared footage showing his father being forcibly removed from their home by several individuals. These men, believed to be immigration and police officers from Timor-Leste, were seen escorting Teves out of the property without providing any apparent documentation or legal notice.
“They just stormed in and took him without showing any warrants or paperwork,” said Axl. “They dragged him out as if he were a criminal with no rights. This is illegal detention.”
According to the younger Teves, the arrest contradicts a previous ruling by a court in Timor-Leste that had sided with his father in an extradition case. That decision had allowed the former lawmaker to remain in the country. Axl further claimed the incident amounted to a “kidnapping” and added that his father suffered minor injuries during the arrest.
Appeals to International Institutions
The camp of the former legislator has expressed strong condemnation of the arrest and stated that they intend to bring the matter to the attention of international bodies. Reports from people close to the Teves family indicate that they have reached out to the United Nations, alleging violations of his rights and demanding intervention.
Supporters argue that the manner of his detention raises serious legal and ethical concerns, particularly given that there was supposedly no legal basis presented by authorities at the time. The claims suggest that Teves’ apprehension violated both local and international laws related to due process.
During the arrest, Teves was reportedly accompanied by his Portuguese legal adviser. According to witnesses, the legal team was also subjected to aggressive treatment, and one lawyer may have sustained slight injuries during the incident.
Philippine Government Reacts to Developments
Despite the dramatic nature of the arrest, officials in Manila have responded with cautious optimism. The Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed a positive outlook regarding recent indications from Timor-Leste that the former lawmaker may not be allowed to remain within their jurisdiction.
Government officials said they are carefully monitoring the situation. While expressing readiness to facilitate Teves’ return to the Philippines, they also acknowledged that no official documentation regarding his arrest had been shared with them by the Timorese government.
“We have not yet received any formal communication or legal paperwork regarding Mr. Teves’ detention,” the DOJ noted in a statement. “Nonetheless, we stand prepared to cooperate fully with Timor-Leste in accordance with international legal protocols and remain committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
The justice department has been actively pursuing extradition proceedings against Teves in relation to multiple murder charges and other criminal accusations filed in Philippine courts.
Uncertainty Over Deportation or Extradition
One of the key points raised by the DOJ is the question of whether Teves will be deported as an undocumented foreign national or formally extradited as a criminal suspect.
“There are two options that may unfold,” said a DOJ spokesperson. “Either the Timor-Leste authorities decide to deport him for being in the country illegally, or they act on our extradition request, which has been pending for some time. Either way, we are ready.”
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also stated its willingness to provide assistance. According to PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, security measures are already in place in case Teves is transferred back to Philippine custody.
However, Marbil clarified that the PNP had not yet received an official request from the justice department to take action.
“We are just waiting for the signal,” Marbil said. “We’ve prepared our custodial facilities and security escorts, just in case.”
Reaction from Victims’ Families
Mayor Janice Degamo of Pamplona, Negros Oriental, the widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo, issued a statement welcoming the arrest. She said it was a step toward achieving long-overdue justice for her husband and others who were affected by violence attributed to the so-called “Teves Terrorist Group.”
“We are encouraged by this development. This brings us closer to proper legal proceedings and justice not only for Roel, but for the many others who suffered,” she said.
In a separate media interview, Mayor Degamo emphasized the importance of accountability and expressed hope that Teves would face the charges in court.
“He has always claimed he had nothing to do with the murder,” she said. “If that is true, then he has nothing to fear from returning and standing trial. No one should be above the law.”
Legal Defense Maintains Innocence
One of Teves’ legal counsels, Ferdinand Topacio, confirmed the arrest and echoed earlier complaints about its alleged illegality. He explained that his client and his Timorese attorney, Joao Serra, were not shown any formal warrant or arrest order during the operation.
According to Topacio, both Teves and Serra were manhandled during the event and are currently being held at a facility within the premises of the Ministry of the Interior in Dili.
“This incident demonstrates a blatant disregard for legal processes,” Topacio said. “We are exploring all available remedies to challenge this unlawful action and safeguard the rights of our client.”
The defense team continues to argue that Teves has been unfairly targeted for political reasons and has repeatedly said he is innocent of all accusations. They claim that the evidence against him is weak and that witness testimonies were allegedly obtained through coercion.
A Case of National Interest
The saga of Arnolfo Teves Jr. has become a national spectacle in the Philippines, involving high-level officials, widespread media attention, and strong public opinion. The murder of Governor Degamo was one of the most brutal and publicized political killings in recent years, and the name Teves has since been synonymous with the search for justice.
Legal experts say the case represents a test of the Philippines’ ability to navigate complex international legal landscapes, especially given that there is no formal extradition treaty between the Philippines and Timor-Leste. Any transfer of custody must be handled through diplomatic negotiations and mutual legal cooperation.
Still, Philippine authorities remain hopeful. The DOJ reaffirmed that all necessary steps have been taken and that they will continue to respect international legal standards as they pursue justice.
“This is not only about one man,” a DOJ official said. “It’s about upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and reinforcing our country’s ability to pursue justice even beyond its borders.”
The Road Ahead
As of this writing, Arnolfo Teves Jr. remains detained in Timor-Leste. It is unclear whether the authorities will opt for immediate deportation or wait for the extradition process to conclude. Either path would lead to renewed legal proceedings back in the Philippines, where Teves faces numerous charges related to murder and alleged political violence.
Whatever the outcome, the arrest marks another turning point in a saga that has captivated the Filipino public and could set precedents for how the Philippines handles future international manhunts involving high-profile suspects.
For now, the nation watches and waits.
