Timorese President Urges Swift Repatriation of Arnie Teves
ARNIE TEVES – Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta urged the swift return of former Negros Oriental congressman and murder suspect Arnolfo ”Arnie” Teves Jr.Arnolfo Teves Jr. to the Philippines.
Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta is urging the swift return of Arnolfo Teves Jr., a former Filipino lawmaker now fugitive, to the Philippines, as reported by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following their meeting with the Timorese leader. NBI Director Medardo de Lemos led the team dispatched to Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital, accompanied by Filipinas Astrero, head of the NBI’s International Operations Division, and four other agents.
Teves, sought for the murder of his political rival Roel Degamo last year, was apprehended by Dili police on Thursday during a round of golf, acting on a “red notice” issued by Interpol in February.
According to the NBI’s statement, President Horta expressed a strong desire for prompt resolution of the case and stressed the urgency of removing Teves from Timor-Leste. De Lemos conveyed gratitude to Ramos-Horta for the swift police action in arresting Teves.
Despite Teves’ lawyer’s claim that the process might be delayed as it must first go through a Timorese court, the NBI is working with Dili authorities for Teves’ repatriation.
Teves’ attorney, Ferdinand Topacio, noted that a trial occurred on Saturday, with Teves’ detention extended for a maximum of 15 days or until the trial concludes.
Meanwhile, Senator Ronald dela Rosa suggested the possibility of reopening the Senate’s investigation into Degamo’s murder, emphasizing the importance of Teves cooperating with the inquiry now that he is in custody. Dela Rosa reiterated that the law will eventually catch up with those who evade it.