The government of Timor-Leste has confirmed it will deport expelled former congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the Philippines.
According to Timor-Leste officials, Teves’ continued presence in their country represents a serious and unacceptable situation.
They said it also undermines the bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and the Philippines.
Authorities expressed concern that their country is developing a reputation as a refuge for fugitives from global justice, damaging the integrity of their borders and their efforts against transnational crimes.
The decision to return Teves is an administrative move by the Ministry of Interior after his passport was canceled, leaving him without proper legal authorization to stay.
Additionally, Timor-Leste announced that due to the crimes Teves is accused of in the Philippines, he is now banned from entering their country for the next 10 years under migration and asylum laws.
Teves is allegedly the mastermind behind the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several other killings in the province.
In a separate statement, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) stressed that it is ready to receive Teves at any time once Timor-Leste proceeds with his deportation.
The DOJ made this pronouncement after reports confirmed that Timor-Leste immigration officials arrested Teves at his residence.
Philippine authorities continue to monitor the final decision from Timor-Leste regarding the extradition request formally filed by the government.
Teves may either be deported as an undocumented foreign national or extradited to face trial, depending on how Timor-Leste acts on the Philippines’ formal appeal.