Former Congressman Arnie Teves Jr. Re-Arrested in Timor Leste
ARNIE TEVES JR – The Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative was arrested again after a recent release from jail.
In March 2023, countless headlines over the unexpected death of then Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo crossed the surface. The politician was attacked inside his house in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.
The residence of Degamo was guarded but unidentified men were able to insist their entrance. There were also several individuals who were left wounded and injured by the incident. Several individuals also died from the incident aside from the Governor.
The Governor’s wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, vowed to search for justice for the death of her husband and several people in the province. She also called to the Philippine government’s help in the pursuit to give her husband’s death justice.
One of the suspects in the death of the late former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo is former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves Jr. On his part, Teves firmly stressed his innocence from the case.
Teves has already flown out from the country when the investigations took place. Undeniably, there was a challenge in tracing where he was then but, through video messages posted online, he debunked the allegations.
Former Cong. Arnie Teves Jr. has yet to return to the Philippines. He was arrested in Timor Leste. Teves was recently released from Timor Leste jail and it was confirmed by his legal counsel, Attorney Ferdinand Topacio.
Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves Jr. was arrested again following his recent release from jail. His re-arrest to the Polícia Nacional of Timor Leste is part of the process in the country as per DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano.
Based on the report, Clavano expressed that the DOJ was able to submit all the requirements needed “ahead of time and in a manner fully compliant with Timor Leste’s law”. The DOJ Assistant Secretary also took a swipe in the recent statements of Atty. Topacio saying that his statements were “misleading, highly irresponsible and an insult to both countries”.
Clavano expressed a reminder to Topacio that he remains an “officer of the court and must act accordingly to maintain its majesty and integrity” although he shall submit loyalty to his client.