Dili, Timor-Leste – Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., former representative of Negros Oriental’s 3rd District, has been arrested in Timor-Leste, where he had reportedly sought asylum.
The arrest, confirmed early Wednesday by a Facebook post from Teves’ son, Axl, and reported by Unang Balita, has sparked controversy surrounding the circumstances of his apprehension.
According to reports, Teves was taken into custody by Timor-Leste immigration officers. Axl Teves’s post alleges that no warrant or supporting documentation was presented during the arrest. Further details from local media outlet hatutan.com indicate that Teves is currently being held by Timor-Leste immigration police.
Teves is a key suspect in the high-profile assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023, at Degamo’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.
While he has consistently denied any involvement in the crime, the arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
The Philippine government has yet to officially comment on the arrest or the extradition process, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the next steps in the case. The lack of clarity surrounding the legality of the arrest itself is likely to become a focal point in any subsequent legal proceedings.
The arrest raises questions about the nature of Teves’s asylum claim in Timor-Leste and the level of cooperation between Philippine and Timorese authorities.
The lack of a warrant, as alleged, could complicate the extradition process and potentially lead to legal challenges. The incident also highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding the Degamo assassination and the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds and official statements are released.
