DOJ Launches Investigation into Arnulfo Teves' Activities in East Timor
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently seeking the extradition of Arnulfo Teves Jr., a former Philippine congressman, who is currently detained in Timor-Leste for alleged undocumented entry.
The DOJ spokesperson commented, "We welcome Timor-Leste's recent statement indicating their stance against Mr. Teves' continued stay in their territory, but we await their concrete actions. Whether he will be deported for being an undocumented foreigner or extradited following our extradition application remains to be seen. We have not received any legal or official documents regarding this matter."
The DOJ is prepared to facilitate the transfer of custody once it receives clarification on the issue. They emphasized, "Our commitment to bringing Mr. Teves to justice in adherence to the rule of law and international cooperation remains unwavering. We continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities in Timor-Leste and stand ready to act as soon as a formal process is initiated."
Timor-Leste immigration police are currently detaining Teves, who has been charged with multiple murder cases in the Philippines. He is believed to have fled the country after allegedly murdering Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and three other individuals in 2019 and 2023. Teves was arrested by the Interpol in 2024 following an Interpol red notice request.
Teves had applied for asylum in Timor-Leste. However, the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals denied the extradition request from the Philippine government in March 2025. Despite this initial denial, Timor-Leste ultimately decided to deport Teves instead of extraditing him, allowing him to return to the Philippines to face trial.
[1] [2] Timor-Leste Law Article 35 (3)[3] [5] Administrative Order for the immediate deportation of Arnulfo Teves Jr. from Timor-Leste[4] Legal challenge against the extradition of Arnulfo Teves Jr. in the Philippines
- The Philippine government is actively pursuing the extradition of Arnulfo Teves Jr., a former congressman wanted for murder, from Timor-Leste, as the DOJ awaits legal or official documents involving Teves' transfer.
- In an unprecedented move, Timor-Leste has decided to deport Teves instead of granting the initial extradition request from the Philippines, allowing him to return to the Philippines to face justice for his alleged crimes.
- The ongoing politics surrounding the case, including the denial of the initial extradition request, the legal challenge against it in the Philippines, and the decision for deportation, fall under the broad category of crime and justice news worldwide.
