Former Congressman Arnolfo Teves Returned to Philippine Custody
Former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo A. Teves Jr., deported from Timor-Leste, was transferred to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detention facility at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City on Friday, May 30. This marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
According to sources familiar with the matter, NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago emphasized, “We will accord him all his rights. Proteksyunan namin na hindi s’ya masaktan sa aming pangangalaga,” ensuring Teves’s safety and well-being while in custody.
Equal Treatment Assured During Detention
Director Santiago, who was part of the team that retrieved Teves from Timor-Leste, stressed that the former congressman will receive no special treatment. “Walang hocus pocus doon. Parehas ang treatment. Walang torture, walang ano pa man,” he said, highlighting the NBI’s commitment to fair and humane treatment.
Teves, who has been declared a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, faces multiple charges including multiple murder, attempted murder, and other criminal offenses. He left the country before the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on March 4, 2023, and had not returned since. His prolonged absence led the House of Representatives to expel him.
Arrest and Deportation from Timor-Leste
After fleeing to Timor-Leste and seeking political asylum, Teves was arrested by authorities there on May 27 and handed over to the Philippine government. He arrived in Manila on the evening of May 29.
The NBI coordinated with the Bureau of Corrections to use Building 14 at the NBP as an exclusive detention area under NBI control. Santiago explained, “Detention facility po ‘yun ng NBI under our control. Tao po namin ang nakabantay doon,” ensuring that detainees are kept separate from the general prison population.
Teves will be housed in a separate room to help him adjust to his surroundings. The NBI will promptly return the arrest warrant to the courts along with a certificate of detention. Santiago added, “Now the courts will then set the arraignment kasi ‘pag arraignment doon na nakaka-acquire ng jurisdiction ang court.”
Pending Court Cases Across Multiple Jurisdictions
Besides the Manila regional trial court, Teves faces criminal charges before the Bayawan City RTC, which has also issued an arrest order.
Expressing his sentiments, Teves said, “Ito lang request ko sa korte na sana mabilis ‘yung kaso. Sa totoo lang kung tatrabahuhin ‘yung kaso sandali lang matapos. I trust my lawyers pretty well and I know my conscience is clear.”
He also shared his relief at returning home after two years of separation from his mother and missing his father’s funeral last December. Teves thanked the NBI for their treatment, stating, “Pasalamat tayo kay Direktor at sa lahat ng staff ng NBI. Magandang ‘yung pagtrato nila sa akin magmula sa pagkuha sa akin hanggang ngayon.”
He explained that he left the Philippines due to threats and now feels safer under NBI custody.
Diplomatic Efforts Lead to Deportation
Local experts attribute Timor-Leste’s decision to deport Teves to the strong diplomatic ties between President Marcos and Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta. Santiago noted, “Sa magandang pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating Pangulo, President Bongbong Marcos, sa Presidente ng Timor-Leste, si Presidente Jose Ramos-Horta, nagdecide po ang government ng Timor-Leste to finally turn over to us si Congressman Teves so that he can answer the charges against him.”
This handover allows Philippine authorities to proceed with the legal process and ensures that Teves faces the charges filed against him.
For more news and updates on former congressman Arnolfo Teves turned over, visit Filipinokami.com.