Timor-Leste detains Arnie Teves without warrant; PH demands due process

DAVAO CITY (May 28) –-The Philippine government has expressed grave concern over the latest developments in Timor-Leste regarding former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is facing multiple murder charges, including the high-profile assassination of Governor Roel Degamo.

In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reiterated that the Philippines has been prepared to take custody of Teves following the initial granting of its extradition request, a legal process anchored in cooperation and the rule of law.

However, the earlier decision to extradite Teves was reportedly reversed by Timor-Leste authorities, halting legal proceedings and raising questions about judicial consistency.

“The Philippines has not been furnished with any legal or official document detailing Mr. Teves’ current status,” the DOJ noted. “We are now awaiting clarification, whether he will be deported for being an undocumented foreigner or extradited under the existing bilateral request.”

The situation took a dramatic turn when Axl Teves, the son of the fugitive, posted on social media that his father was allegedly “kidnapped and abused” by Timor-Leste authorities. According to Axl, at around 8:00 PM Timor-Leste time, armed men forcibly took Teves from a private residence without presenting a warrant or any legal documents.

“He was picked up without due process, no documents, no warrant, nothing. He is now being held illegally by Timor-Leste Immigration,” Axl wrote.

In an impassioned appeal, Axl invoked Article 118, Paragraph 3 of the Timor-Leste Constitution:

“Court decisions are mandatory and prevail over all decisions of any authorities.”

He argued that all legal proceedings in Timor-Leste had been ruled in their favor, including motions for reconsideration, implying that the sudden arrest and detention of Teves by immigration authorities contradicts standing court decisions.

“This action raises red flags on the adherence to the rule of law in Timor-Leste,” legal experts said, pointing to the potential breach of due process and constitutional violations.

The Philippine government stated that extradition is a legal mechanism governed by international treaties and bilateral cooperation, not informal or undocumented arrests.

The DOJ made clear that it is still waiting for formal communication from Timor-Leste regarding Teves’ legal status and the basis for his detention.

If Teves is being held as an undocumented foreigner, deportation could be executed without court proceedings. However, such a move must still be communicated through proper diplomatic and legal channels.

Any deviation from the established judicial decisions in Timor-Leste, as claimed by Teves’ family, could lead to legal and diplomatic scrutiny, especially if the arrest was made without adherence to procedural safeguards.

Despite the confusion, the Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment:

“We remain ready and committed to bring Mr. Teves to justice under the rule of law and the principles of international cooperation. We continue to work closely with the appropriate authorities in Timor-Leste and stand by to act the moment a formal process is initiated.”

As the case unfolds, the world watches closely as Timor-Leste balances domestic legal rulings, constitutional mandates, and international extradition norms in handling one of the Philippines’ most controversial fugitives.