Fugitive ex-solon arrested while playing golf in East Timor

FORMER Negros Oriental third district representative, Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves, was finally arrested last March 21, 2024, in Dili, the capital of East Timor, by local policemen with the assistance from the International Police Organization (INTERPOL).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) in a statement a few hours after receiving confirmation of the arrest said Teves, who has been designated as a “terrorist” by the Philippines Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) in July 2023, was arrested before sundown while playing golf at the ‘Top Golf Driving Range and Bar’ in Dili.

“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,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.

Teves, who has been expelled as a member of Congress in August 2023 after refusing to return to the country while on official leave, is facing charges of 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51.

The cases sprang from the March 4, 2023, massacre he allegedly ordered in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that resulted to the death of 10 persons, including his political rival, Governor Roel S. Degamo.

After his expulsion from Congress, the court issued a warrant for his arrest and directed the Department of Foreign Affairs, on February 5, 2024, to cancel his passport, the same month the INTERPOL also a ‘Red Notice’ against him.

The notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

The DOJ also rejected the position of Teves’ lead counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, of bringing his case before the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) over his client’s alleged “persecution.”

“The brutal crimes happened here in the Philippines. The families of the victims are here in the Philippines. So, we want justice to be served here in the Philippines,” added DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson, Atty. Mico Clavano.

A contingent from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headed by Director Medardo De Lemos tasked to bring back Teves went home empty-handed over some legal requirements needed to be completed in East Timor.

The arrest and deportation of Teves from East Timor have long been considered “a matter of time” after the Philippine state visit of East Timor president, Jose Ramos Horta, last November 10, 2023.