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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos: Time for Arnie Teves to face justice

Marcos: Time for Arnie Teves to face justice

Published May 29, 2025 08:17 pm

At A Glance

  • The President said he first received the confirmation from Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão during the Summit, adding that the extradition was only made possible through the help of Timor-Leste's top leaders.
President Marcos confirmed the return of expelled Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the Philippines, saying it is now time for him to face justice over the murder of Governor Roel Degamo and other alleged crimes.


“The former representative, Rep. Arnie Teves, is now back in the Philippines,” Marcos said in a video statement on Thursday, May 29, a day after his return from the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The President said he first received the confirmation from Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão during the Summit, adding that the extradition was only made possible through the help of Timor-Leste’s top leaders.

“This would not have happened without the assistance of President [José Ramos] Horta and Prime Minister Gusmão of Timor-Leste. They have been working very hard to bring this to conclusion,” Marcos said.

Teves had been in hiding overseas since March 2023 after he was linked to the deadly ambush of Degamo. He was eventually arrested in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, and was detained while awaiting deportation proceedings.

"As we know, the former congressman Arnie Teves is facing charges of murder and other crimes related to the ambush killing of the former governor Degamo,” Marcos said.

"We would like also to assure our citizens that such lawlessness will not go unpunished," he added.

President Marcos emphasized that Teves’ return is not the end, but the beginning of legal accountability.

"It is now time for Arnie Teves to face justice," he said.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PCO Screenshot)

Teves was expelled from the House of Representatives in August 2023, citing “indecent behavior” and continued absence despite being ordered to report back to work.

The former lawmaker has repeatedly denied involvement in the March 4, 2023 shooting that killed Degamo and several others in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. However, multiple suspects, including captured gunmen, have since linked him to the attack.

Teves' extradition follows nearly a year of diplomatic and legal efforts after he sought political asylum in Timor-Leste. The Philippine government had formally requested his return through the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

President Marcos had personally appealed to Timor-Leste’s leaders during previous meetings, underscoring the urgency of upholding justice and strengthening regional cooperation against transnational crime.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Arnie Teves PH-Timor Leste
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