Former Negros Oriental congressman and designated terrorist Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who has been tagged as the mastermind in the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo, was arrested while playing golf in Timor-Leste at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 21, the Department of Justice confirmed.
“Today’s apprehension of Teves is a testament to the power of international cooperation. 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,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, in a post on her Facebook page, said “words cannot express how it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband surrounded by police”.
The arrest of Teves at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, was the result of collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, a DOJ statement said.
It cited the International Police and the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Dili, in coordination with the East Timorese Police.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Degamo and five others in March 2023, the DOJ said.
Teves, who has been the subject of a Red Notice, is now under the custody of Timorese Police while his extradition to the Philippines is being worked out by NCB-Dili in coordination with the team from NCB-Manila and the Dili Philippine Embassy, the DOJ statement added.
“The capture of Teves only proves that through concerted efforts and determination, terrorism can be thwarted and peace preserved,” Remulla said.
Remulla urged Teves: “Face your long-delayed trial without setting any conditions, face the courts squarely”.
“Rest assured that the DOJ remains committed to providing regular updates on Teves’ return to the Philippines,” Remulla also said.*