Dili, September 8, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Executive Director of NGO HABADA (Hali Ba Dame), Abel Amaral, is calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation process regarding two cases that occurred in Aldeia Wetaba, Suco Beiseuk, Tilomar Administrative Post, Covalima Municipality, and allegedly involve members of security and intelligence institutions.
The Executive Director of HABADA stated that the two cases occurred over a two-year period, one in 2024 and one in 2026. The organization considers it important that the competent authorities provide public clarification regarding the investigation process and accountability, in order to guarantee community trust in State institutions and the justice system.
“The first case occurred on 1 May 2024, when a member of the National Strategic Intelligence Service (SNIE) allegedly used a firearm in Aldeia Wetaba, and a 24-year-old young man suffered serious injuries. According to information from HABADA, the victim received treatment at Suai Hospital before being transferred to Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV) in Dili,” said the Executive Director of NGO HABADA, Abel Amaral, (8/09/2026).
The Executive Director stated that to this day there has still been no clear public information regarding the outcome of the investigation, formal charges, disciplinary measures, or decisions by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The organization is asking the relevant authorities to release the current status of the process.
“The second case occurred on 24 June 2026, when a victim with the initials TC, who had returned from Indonesia, went missing in the Mota Masin area, Aldeia Wetaba, Tilomar Administrative Post. According to initial information circulating in the community and on social media, the victim was allegedly attacked by a crocodile. However, the investigation conducted by the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), through the Criminal Investigation Service Directorate (DSIK) and the Covalima Municipal Command, led to a different line of investigation,” he reported.
He further explained that on 31 August 2026, DSIK executed the arrest and detention warrant issued by the Suai First Instance Judicial Court (TJPIS). Four suspects were arrested, including three members of SNIE and one member of the Border Patrol Unit (UPF). Following the initial interrogations on 2 and 3 September 2026, the court ordered preventive detention as a coercive measure for the suspects. They have since been transferred to the Suai Penitentiary Establishment. The case is registered under NUK 0016/26-CVSUI.
The Director also emphasized that the Director of DSIK, Chief Superintendent João Belo, confirmed that the investigation will continue, including efforts to locate the victim’s body, which has not yet been found.
“HABADA considers that the investigation process must continue independently, rigorously, and transparently, including gathering all evidence that can help the judicial authorities determine criminal responsibility in accordance with the law,” he said.
Abel Amaral said that the two cases, which occurred in the same geographic area and allegedly involve agents from security and intelligence institutions, need to receive attention from the competent authorities.
According to HABADA, this situation raises questions about supervision, command and control, and accountability mechanisms in border areas.
The organization also highlighted the difference between the response to the 2024 case and the 2026 case. In the 2024 case, according to HABADA, public information about the investigation process is still unclear, whereas in the 2026 case the judicial authorities have already imposed preventive detention on four suspects.
HABADA considers that the lack of public information about judicial processes can create doubt and reduce community trust in State institutions. Therefore, the organization is asking authorities to provide regular updates on the process, while continuing to respect the principle of presumption of innocence and guaranteeing all rights under the law.
HABADA is asking for the 2024 shooting case to be reviewed or for information to be released on the current status of the process, including whether the investigation has concluded, whether it has been archived, or whether any legal measures have been taken.
“Regarding the TC homicide case, HABADA asks that the investigation continue rigorously, including efforts to locate the victim’s body and determine the facts related to the case,” he explained.
He also reported that he is calling for internal disciplinary mechanisms within SNIE, F-FDTL, and UPF-PNTL to be carried out in accordance with procedures and the principle of accountability, without prejudicing the judicial process.
HABADA also appeals to the National Parliament, the Government, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) to consider an independent mechanism to monitor intelligence activities and border force operations, especially regarding allegations of disproportionate use of force and human rights violations.
On another note, HABADA is asking the community in Tilomar and Covalima Municipality to get information from official and credible sources, and to avoid spreading unconfirmed information.
The Director also stressed that peace and security must be based on respect for the law and human rights, and that all State agents must be held accountable under the law when there are allegations of violations.
HABADA will continue to monitor these cases by gathering information from various sources and from the community, with respect for legality, ethics, and the judicial process.
Reporting: Tomás Dos Santos
Photo: Tomás Dos Santos