Former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. faces deportation from Timor-Leste after authorities ruled that he has been staying in the country without a valid visa or legal authorization. The Timor-Leste government announced that the deportation would take immediate effect, citing threats to public order and national security.
Despite this, Teves’ lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, said the country’s Court of Appeals has granted a writ of habeas corpus, requiring authorities to present Teves in court within 48 hours.
Teves, who is the main suspect in the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has sought asylum in Timor-Leste. He was reportedly arrested without a warrant by immigration police earlier this week.
The Timor-Leste government emphasized that Teves’ prolonged stay could harm diplomatic ties with the Philippines and damage the country’s image ahead of its scheduled ASEAN accession in October. Officials expressed concern that harboring fugitives undermines efforts to combat transnational crime.
The Philippine Department of Justice said it is awaiting official communication from Timor-Leste before taking further action.