Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was arrested at his home in Dili, Timor-Leste on Tuesday night, May 27, 2025. His son Axl Teves confirmed this in a social media post.
According to Axl, "My father was kidnapped and beaten." He shared a 10-second video on Facebook in which the former congressman can be seen being forcibly removed from his home by immigration officers.
Teves is facing charges in connection with the killing of Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental and nine others in the so-called Pamplona Massacre in 2023. He has long denied the allegations and says he is a victim of political persecution.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said they have not yet received official information from the government of Timor-Leste. According to DOJ Spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV, "We are still waiting for their official statement."
We continue to await the action of the Timor-Leste government regarding Teves' case and the possible extradition back to the Philippines.
