Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who has been on the run from Philippine authorities, was arrested Monday evening in Dili, Timor-Leste, according to his son and legal counsel.
The arrest took place around 8:00 PM local time and was carried out by immigration police, said Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ lawyer. “Our client, Rep. Arnolfo Teves, was taken from his residence in Dili together with his Timor-Leste counsel, Dr. Joao Serra,” Topacio told the Daily Tribune, adding that the lawyer accompanying Teves was allegedly “manhandled” during the operation.
Teves, who was expelled from the House of Representatives in August 2023, has been accused of orchestrating the killing of then-Governor Roel Degamo and eight others in March 2023. He has since been labeled a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, along with his brother, former Governor Pryde Henry Teves, and several others linked to violent acts in Negros Oriental.
The arrest comes shortly after East Timor President José Ramos-Horta publicly stated that his country does not wish to harbor Teves, stressing that his continued presence in Timor-Leste is not in their national interest. Ramos-Horta’s statement added pressure on Teves’ stay, as his asylum bid faces increased scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Justice said it is monitoring developments and is expected to release an official statement soon. Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said authorities are fully engaged in coordinating next steps in light of the arrest.
Topacio insisted that no formal warrant or legal document was shown during the apprehension, and that Teves remains inside the Ministry of the Interior compound under legal counsel’s supervision. As of now, no further updates have been issued from Timorese or Philippine authorities.
