MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed before midnight Thursday the arrest of ousted Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman and designated terrorist Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Dili, East Timor.
Teves, facing multiple murder charges, was arrested at Top Golf Driving Range and Bar on Thursday, following the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023 and 2019.
“We already confirmed that Timor Leste police have finally captured the mastermind of my husband’s murder. Words cannot express how it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband, surrounded by police. Dalaygon ang buhi nga Dios!” Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo, the slain governor’s widow, posted on Facebook.
The arrest of Teves was made possible through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the International Police (Interpol) – National Central Bureau (NCB) in Dili, in coordination with the East Timorese Police.
“Today’s (Thursday) apprehension of Teves is a testament to the power of international cooperation,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement. “It sends a clear message that no terrorist can evade justice and that nations stand united in safeguarding the safety and security of their citizens.”
NCB-Dili, NCB-Manila, and Dili Philippine Embassy coordinate Timorese police custody Teves, extradition to the Philippines. The DOJ issued a Red Notice against Teves, with the National Bureau of Investigation team sent.
“East Timor may apprehend Teves. However, they might prefer that we send a team there. We will most likely dispatch a team to East Timor to execute the warrant,” Remulla said.
Remulla thanks law enforcement and international partners for resolving Teves’ case, whose passports were revoked before a Red Notice, allowing him to face trial without conditions.
“The capture of Teves only proves that through concerted efforts and determination, terrorism can be thwarted and peace preserved,” Remulla added.
Mayor Degamo will seek the Third District congressional seat in the 2025 polls. It remains vacant after Teves was kicked out in August last year, with House Speaker Martin Romualdez serving as caretaker.
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