DOJ confirms arrest of expelled congressman Teves in Timor-Leste

Expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman and designated terrorist Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. has been arrested in Timor-Leste, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed late Thursday night, March 21.

 In a statement, the DOJ said that Teves was arrested at abound 4 p.m. in the capital City of Dili while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar.

It said the arrest of Teves was made possible in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the International Criminal Police Organization's (Interpol) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Dili.

Teves and and several others have been charged with 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder.

The charges stemmed from the March 4, 2023 shooting in Pamplona, Negros Oriental where 10 persons were killed including Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. Eighteen other persons were severly injured.

On Sept. 5, 2023, the regional trial court (RTC) issued an arrest order against Teves and his co-accused.  The arrest order against Teves could not be enforced since the former congressman has been abroad long before the filing of the cases in court

Aside from Teves, the 11 other co-accused are Marvin Miranda, Rogelio Antipolo Jr., Rommel Pattaguan, Winrich Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., Joric Labrador, Joven Javier, Benjie Rodriguez, and Jhudiel Rivero.

Teves had been designated terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council and his assets in the Philippines have been ordered frozen.

He is also facing murder charges for the deaths of three persons in Negros Oriental in 2019.

On Teves' arrest, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said: “It sends a clear message that no terrorist can evade justice and that nations stand united in safeguarding the safety and security of their citizens."

“The capture of Teves only proves that through concerted efforts and determination, terrorism can be thwarted and peace preserved,” Remulla said.

He urged Teves "to face your long-delayed trial without setting any conditions, face the courts squarely.”

The DOJ said that Tebes is currently in the custody of Timorese police while his extradition is being worked out by the NCB-Dili in coordination with NCB-Manila and the Philippine Embassy in Dili.