EXPELLED Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. was arrested Tuesday night at his residence in Dili, Timor-Leste by immigration officers.
His son, Axl Teves, confirmed the incident through a Facebook post, claiming his father had been “kidnapped and abused.”
A 10-second video accompanied the post, showing immigration officers forcibly removing the former lawmaker from his home.
Teves faces multiple murder charges in connection with the 2023 Pamplona Massacre, which resulted in the death of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
He has consistently denied the allegations, saying he is a victim of political persecution, and has refused to return to the Philippines.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has yet to confirm the arrest.
“We await their action. Until we receive official communication from the Timor-Leste government, we cannot confirm anything,” DOJ Spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV said.
Clavano added that it remains unclear whether Teves was arrested due to immigration violations, his passport cancelation, or the extradition request filed by the Philippine government.
He assured the public that the Philippines is “ready to arrange the transfer of custody by the most expeditious means” once clarification is received.
