Teves' passport cancelled — DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has cancelled the passport of ousted Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, who has also been arrested in Timor-Leste for murder charges.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza confirmed Teves’ passport cancellation, citing information from the Office of the Consular Affairs.

In a text message, Daza explained that passports tagged as “cancelled” will be a “red flag” in all DFA consular offices within and outside the country

At the same time, passport cancellations will be reported to both the Bureau of Immigration and to the Interpol office in the Philippines, Daza said.

“The Interpol office in [the Philippines] will report this cancellation to Interpol [headquarter] which will put the passport in its alert system in all international border controls,” she added.

The Department of Justice (DFA) late Thursday confirmed the arrest of Teves at a golf range in Dili on the same day.

Teves, who has also been designated a "terrorist" by the government, is implicated, along with nine others, in the murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

The ousted lawmaker, whose asylum request from the government of Timor-Leste was rejected, has been in hiding for about a year.

Teves’ apprehension “is a testament to the power of international cooperation,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

Teves is now under the custody of authorities of Timor-Leste while his extradition is already in process.