The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued Alertlist Orders against expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday, Feb. 22.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the Alertlist Orders were issued "to restrict Teves' movements and facilitate his arrest through international cooperation."
“Teves cannot escape the long arm of the law,” Remulla said in a statement.
He pointed out that the orders were issued pursuant to court-issued arrest warrant dated Sept. 5, 2023 and International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Blue Notice published on Feb. 19, 2024.
“These orders direct all BI officers to promptly report any information regarding Teves’ entry, exit, or attempted entry/exit to the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI),” the DOJ said.
“Further, BI officers are instructed to refer Teves to the PNP or NBI whenever encountered at any port of entry,” it added.
Teves, who has yet to return to the Philippines and is believed to be in Timor-Leste seeking asylum, faces charges in court for the March 4, 2023 shooting in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that led to deaths of 10 persons including Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo as well as injury of 18 other individuals.
The expelled congressman has also been charged with multiple murder in the deaths of three persons in Negros Oriental in 2019.
Teves' passport had been ordered cancelled by the Manila regional trial court (RTC).
“The DOJ assures that all individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or influence,” said Remulla.