Arnolfo Teves Jr. Arrested by Timor-Leste Immigration Authorities

Arnolfo Teves Jr., former Negros Oriental Congressman, was arrested in Timor-Leste by immigration police. His lawyer claims he and his counsel were not shown any warrant for their detention. Teves is undocumented after his passport was canceled following serious charges related to a massacre in 2023.

Arnolfo Teves Jr., the former Representative of Negros Oriental’s 3rd District, has been detained by immigration authorities in Timor-Leste, according to his attorney, Ferdinand Topacio. The arrest reportedly occurred at around 8 PM on Tuesday, May 27, Dili time, at Teves’ residence. Topacio confirmed that alongside Teves, his local legal counsel, Dr. Joao Sera, was also apprehended.

Topacio expressed concerns regarding the nature of the arrests, emphasizing that no formal warrant or written explanation was presented to either Teves or Dr. Sera at the time of their detention. He further claimed that Dr. Sera was subjected to excessive force by immigration officers during the incident. Currently, both individuals are held in the Ministry of the Interior’s compound, where Teves has secured the presence of legal representation.

Teves has remained undocumented since his passport was revoked by the Department of Foreign Affairs, following a court order linked to charges stemming from the tragic massacre that occurred on March 4, 2023, in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. This incident claimed the lives of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others. Teves has been officially labeled a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council due to this incident and purported other related terrorist activities in the region.

In summary, Arnolfo Teves Jr. was arrested in Timor-Leste, with significant concerns raised about the legality of his detention. Accusations include improper procedures carried out by immigration authorities and harsh treatment of his legal counsel. Facing serious criminal charges and a terrorism designation back home, Teves’ situation illustrates the complexities surrounding legal and diplomatic matters in international contexts.

Original Source: politiko.com.ph