Dili, May 30, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, issued a press release regarding Filipino national Arnolfo Teves Jr., confirming that he has been deported following an administrative decision by the Ministry of the Interior. He is now in the custody of the competent authorities of the Republic of the Philippines. The statement was accessed by Média Democracia through the official page of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers on Thursday.
According to the spokesperson for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, the decision was made after it was discovered that Teves Jr. was residing in Timor-Leste without a valid visa and without legal authorization, using a passport that had been cancelled by his country of origin. This measure was taken based on national legislation regarding migration and asylum, considering the risks his presence posed to public order and national security.
“Arnolfo Teves Jr. faces multiple criminal charges in the Philippines, including 13 counts of murder, 13 counts of attempted murder, and 4 counts of frustrated murder, related to crimes committed between 2019 and 2023. These include the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo at that time,” said Agio Pereira.
The government also emphasized that Teves Jr. cannot be sentenced to the death penalty, as the Philippines abolished it under Republic Act No. 9346. Even if reintroduced, it cannot be applied retroactively to this case.
“Arnolfo Teves Jr. will not be subjected to torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, or any cruel punishment, in accordance with Section 19, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Republic Act No. 9745, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention Against Torture, all of which the Philippines is a signatory to,” the government stated.
Authorities in the Philippines have also guaranteed that throughout the entire criminal process, Teves Jr. will have the right to be informed of the charges he faces, be presented before a court, have access to competent and independent legal counsel of his choice, and be granted a fair, impartial, and public trial. He will also have the right to confront the witnesses against him and to present exculpatory evidence.
Further explaining the decision, the Government of Timor-Leste reaffirmed its determination to prevent the country from being used as a refuge by individuals fleeing international justice. It reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and to respecting international norms on inter-state cooperation, while also safeguarding national and regional security and stability. This effort aligns with the shared responsibility of ASEAN member states.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Media, Presidency of the Council of Ministers