Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was arrested by immigration authorities in Dili, Timor-Leste around 8 PM local time, according to his son Axl Teves.
In a social media post, Axl claimed that his father was “forcibly arrested” without the presentation of any legal documents or an arrest warrant.
Teves is the primary suspect in the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others in March 2023.
He was expelled from the House of Representatives in August of the same year and later declared a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
His camp has called for assistance from human rights organizations regarding what they describe as a warrantless and forced arrest.
Also tagged as terrorists were Teves’ brother, former Governor Pryde Henry Teves, and 11 others, in connection to a series of killings and violent activities in the province.
On Tuesday, East Timor President José Ramos-Horta stated that his government does not wish for Teves to remain in the country, citing national interest.
Teves faces multiple murder charges in the Philippines in connection with the Degamo killing and the deaths of nine other individuals.
Philippine Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the situation is being closely monitored and an official report will be released soon.
Teves’ lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, confirmed that his client was taken into custody by Timor-Leste’s immigration police.
Topacio added that Teves and his legal team are currently inside the compound of the Ministry of the Interior and that no warrant or legal basis was presented at the time of arrest.
Pamplona Mayor and incoming Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, issued a statement welcoming the arrest.
She described the arrest as a crucial step toward justice—not only for her family but also for the people of Negros Oriental and the nation shocked by the March 4, 2023 massacre.
Degamo emphasized that for nearly two years, their demand for accountability has remained firm and clear: those behind the brutal crimes must face justice wherever they hide.
She said the Arnie Teves arrest proves that no one is above the law and reflects strong international cooperation and a shared commitment to justice.
Her camp expressed hope for a fair legal process that will deliver lasting peace to the province and long-overdue justice for the slain governor and many others victimized by the so-called Teves terrorist group.
Earlier, Degamo said Teves was arrested due to his status as an illegal alien, lack of a valid Philippine passport, and being the subject of an Interpol alert and a Department of Justice warrant over the Pamplona massacre.