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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ forms team on repatriation of ex-Rep Arnie Teves to PH

DOJ forms team on repatriation of ex-Rep Arnie Teves to PH

Published May 29, 2025 10:15 am

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has mobilized a team to coordinate with the government of Timor-Leste in the repatriation to the Philippines of fugitive and expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo A. Teves Jr.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 29, the DOJ said the team is composed of representatives from the DOJ, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

It said the team “will coordinate closely with Timorese authorities and assist in the safe, secure, and lawful repatriation of Mr. Teves back to the Philippines.”

It also said the mobilization of the team “was based on the official deportation documents released by the Ministry of the Interior of Timor-Leste and in the light of the strong pronouncement issued by the Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste.”

It added: “The DOJ takes note of the statement issued by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste, which declared Mr. Teves' presence a threat to national security and public order, citing the seriousness of the charges against him and the absence of any legal authorization for him to remain in their country.”

“This administrative deportation decision, which takes immediate effect, includes a 10-year ban on re-entry and is grounded in Timor-Leste’s domestic laws on migration and asylum, as well as in respect for the principles of international cooperation and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) solidarity,” the DOJ said.

It also said that “the Government of Timor-Leste emphasized that harboring fugitives undermines efforts to combat transnational crime and disrupts diplomatic relations between sovereign states.”

“The DOJ lauds this act of regional responsibility and reiterates its appreciation to the Government of Timor-Leste for its commitment to justice, international rule of law, and regional stability,” the DOJ said.

“As we await the arrival of Mr. Teves, the Philippine Government assures the public and the international community that due process will be strictly observed, and that justice will be pursued without fear or favor,” added the agency.

Teves, who sought political asylum in Timor-Leste was arrested by that country’s immigration police on Wednesday, May 28.

In the Philippines, Teves had been charged with murder and other criminal offenses and the Manila regional trial court (RTC) had issued an arrest order against him.

He had also been declared a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) and his passport had been cancelled based on the order issued by the RTC.

Among other charges, Teves was indicted for multiple murder in the killings of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine other persons on March 4, 2023.

Before the killings, Teves left for the United States on a prolonged trip that paved the way for his expulsion as a member of the House of Representatives.  He then went to Timor-Leste where he petitioned for asylum.

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