Processing of Teves' case underway
Former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) facility in Muntinlupa City, has pleaded for a swift resolution to his case. Teves, who was arrested on May 30, 2025, following his deportation from Timor-Leste, is facing multiple murder and frustrated murder charges in connection with the March 4, 2023, assassination of Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental.
Teves was apprehended by the Timorese police after Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest. His detention in the Philippines marks the first time an elected official has been labeled as a terrorist by the Philippine Anti-Terrorism Council, due to allegations of involvement in killings and harassment, including Degamo’s murder.
During a press conference, Teves expressed his relief at being back in the Philippines, as he hasn’t seen his mother for two years. Despite his grief at being incarcerated, Teves expressed optimism about his legal team and his clear conscience. He expressed hope that the legal process would be expedited to put the case to rest.
Teves has also sought the assistance of Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Janice Degamo, the governor's sister, in his case. Prior to his arrest, Teves was linked to the murder of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019, allegedly for his alleged involvement in a board member's case, Miguel Dungog.
The DOJ had filed these charges earlier, and a Manila court issued an arrest warrant for Teves in September 2023. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has affirmed that Teves will face justice for the lawlessness involved in the case. The ongoing legal proceedings continue to be a significant issue in the country.
[1] Philippine Star, "Ex-Congressman Teves charged with murder of Negros Oriental governor," May 30, 2025.
[2] Inquirer.net, "Timor-Leste deports former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr.," May 29, 2025.
[3] Rappler, "Philippine Anti-Terrorism Council designates ex-Negros Oriental congressman as terrorist," July 29, 2023.
[4] CNN Philippines, "Timor-Leste rejects asylum request of Philippines’ ex-Negros Oriental congressman," March 2, 2025.
[5] ABS-CBN News, "President Marcos affirms justice for Roel Degamo’s killing," May 31, 2025.
The ongoing legal proceedings involving former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is currently detained in the Philippines, are significant in the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors. Teves, who is facing multiple murder charges including the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has expressed hope for a swift resolution and has also sought the assistance of Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Janice Degamo, the governor's sister, in his case.
