HEADLINES
Ex-Rep. Teves nabbed in East Timor; extradition proceedings underway
3/22/24, 2:13 AM
Fugitive former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been captured in East Timor and is expected to be swiftly brought to the Philippines to face murder charges filed against him.
The Department of Justice confirmed the arrest of Teves who was reportedly cornered by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation with the help of International Police (Interpol)-National Central Bureau and local police authorities in Dili, East Timor around 4 pm on Thursday (March 21).
The DOJ press release posted on Facebook disclosed that the the former solon was nabbed at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar.
Teves, 53, has been tagged as the mastermind in the political killings in his home province, including that of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March, 2023.
Teves, who had been tagged by government as terrorist, faces charges of multiple murder for the killing of Degamo and nine other persons during an attack staged by his men at the governor’s residence in March 4, 2023.
Three more murder cases allegedly committed in 2019 are awaiting court proceedings.
“We already confirmed that the mastermind of my husband’s murder has finally been captured by Timor Leste police. Words cannot express how it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband surrounded by police,” said the slain governor’s widow, Pamplona (Negros Oriental) Mayor Janice Degamo in a Facebook post.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla lauded the Interpol and local East Timorese police for helping the NBI pursue Teves.
“Today’s (March 21) apprehension of Teves is a testament to the power of international cooperation,” Remulla said. “It sends a clear message that no terrorist can evade justice and that nations stand united in safeguarading the safety and security of their citizens.”
The Philippine government has filed for the extradition of Teves.
Teves’ arrest came barely a month after the DOJ announced that the Interpol has issued a Red Notice against Teves.
The Red Notice authorizes police forces from Interpol-member nations to apprehend the subject of the alert pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings.
Teves was a former barangay chairman in his hometown and rose to become deputy speaker of the House of Representatives during the term of former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, a close ally of the former solon.