Jamaine Punzalan

Former Negros Oriental Rep Arnolfo Teves after he was arrested by Timor-Leste authorities. The NBI team was allowed by Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta to talk to Teves while he is still being processed.  Photo courtesy NBI/File

Article (news)

Adrian Ayalin

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174848383329320240322-teves-arnolfo-timor-HO-1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Former Negros Oriental Rep Arnolfo Teves. NBI/File </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — The Department of Justice said Thursday it formed a team for the repatriation of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. from Timor-Leste.</p><p>This follows the<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/27/-we-were-shocked-arnolfo-teves-arrested-in-timor-leste-0758"> re-arrest of Teves</a> on Tuesday night and his detention at the Ministry of the Interior of Timor-Leste.</p><p>“Based on the official deportation documents released by the Ministry of the Interior of Timor-Leste and in light of the strong pronouncement issued by the Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste, the DOJ has mobilized a joint team composed of representatives from the DOJ, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to coordinate closely with Timorese authorities and assist in the safe, secure, and lawful repatriation of Mr. Teves back to the Philippines,” the DOJ said in a statement.</p><p>The DOJ noted the statement issued by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste that the presence of Teves in their country was a threat to national security and public order.</p><p>The supposed threat posed by Teves was tied with the multiple murder charges against him in the Philippines and the absence of any legal authorization for him to remain in their country.</p><p>“This administrative deportation decision, which takes immediate effect, includes a 10-year ban on re-entry and is grounded in Timor-Leste’s domestic laws on migration and asylum, as well as in respect for the principles of international cooperation and ASEAN solidarity,” the DOJ said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/28/timorese-court-grants-habeas-corpus-petition-of-teves-says-lawyer-2202">Teves taken from Timor-Leste residence without warrant, says lawyer</a></div><p>The DOJ stressed its appreciation to the government of Timor Leste for its commitment to justice, international rule of law, and regional stability.</p><p>“As we await the arrival of Mr. Teves, the Philippine Government assures the public and the international community that due process will be strictly observed, and that justice will be pursued without fear or favor,” the DOJ said.</p><p>The DOJ however has yet to respond to queries from the media on the effect of the supposed granting of the habeas corpus petition of Teves’ lawyers in Timor-Leste.</p><p>In an order released Wednesday night, the Timorese Court of Appeal ordered the Attorney General’s Office to present Teves before the court within 48 hours.</p><p>The Philippine lawyers of Teves however are also preparing for the former lawmaker’s arrival in the country.</p><p>Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said his law office sent representatives to the DOJ, BI and NBI to obtain information on the time and place of arrival of Teves so that he could avail of the right to counsel once he lands in Philippine territory.</p><p>“It is hoped that the heads of these agencies will have some sense of legal obligation, if not of common decency, left to provide us that information which we, as Mr. Teves&#x27; lawyers, have the right to receive,” Topacio said.</p><div><iframe width="1250" height="703" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/06vJ4SWXtHE" title="Arnolfo Teves Jr. muling inaresto sa Dili, Timor-Leste | TV Patrol" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Department of Justice said Thursday it formed a team for the repatriation of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. from Timor-Leste.</p>

The Department of Justice said Thursday it formed a team for the repatriation of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. from Timor-Leste.

DOJ mobilizes team for repatriation of Teves from Timor-Leste

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DOJ mobilizes team for repatriation of Teves from Timor-Leste

Adrian Ayalin

Published May 29, 2025 09:59 AM PHT

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