Thus, said Janice Degamo, congresswoman-elect of the particular district and widow of the late provincial governor Roel Degamo in a Facebook post Wednesday, May 28.

"Last night, Arnie Teves was reportedly arrested by immigration authorities in Timor-Leste. At this stage it is believed that the arrest was due to his status as an illegal alien, having no valid Philippine passport and being the subject of an international alert from Interpol," she wrote.

"This arrest is a significant step toward justice, not only for our family, but for the people of Negros Oriental and the entire nation who were shaken by the horrific footage of my husband and 9 others being mercilessly gunned down on March 4th, 2023," said the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) stalwart.

Teves left the Philippines days before the shocking broad-daylight killings in Pamplona town, but was eventually tagged as its mastermind. He was never returned to the country and was expelled as a House member in the 19th Congress. 

Incoming House member Degamo noted that Teves had a standing warrant from the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with what she called the "Pamplona massacre".

"For over two years, our call has been clear and unwavering, that those responsible for this heinous crime must be held accountable, no matter how far they run or how long they hide," she further wrote.

Degamo reckoned that Teves' arrest--also captured in a viral video--should "serve as a reminder that no one is above the law".

She also said it "reaffirms the strength of international cooperation and our collective pursuit of justice".

"We now look forward to the proper legal proceedings that will bring lasting peace to our province and long overdue justice for my beloved Roel," she added.