DILI, 29 May 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of the Philippines today praised Timor-Leste for its strong commitment to justice, the international rule of law, and regional stability, calling the deportation of Filipino fugitive Arnold Teves an “act of regional responsibility.”
Teves was deported today, May 29, 2025, by administrative decision of Timor-Leste’s Ministry of the Interior, and is already in the custody of the competent authorities of the Republic of the Philippines.
“The DOJ lauds this act of regional responsibility and reiterates its appreciation to the Government of Timor-Leste for its commitment to justice, international rule of law, and regional stability,” the Department of Justice of the Philippines said in a statement.
DOJ commended the Government of Timor-Leste for recognizing the seriousness of the charges and their potential impact on regional stability: “Their decision aligns with the spirit of international cooperation and ASEAN solidarity in upholding the rule of law.”
The Philippines Government welcomed the firm and decisive action taken by the Government of Timor-Leste in ordering the administrative deportation of Filipino national Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is facing multiple criminal charges in the Philippines, including those for murder, frustrated murder, and murder—among them, the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
The statement said the deportation of Teves was made possible through close collaboration between Timor-Leste’s authorities and the Philippines Authorities, to ensure a safe, secure, and lawful return of Teves to his home country.
Before his deportation, the Government of Timor-Leste declared Teves’ presence a threat to national security and public order, citing the seriousness of the charges against him and the absence of any legal authorization for him to remain in their country.
Timor-Leste’s administrative deportation decision, which takes immediate effect, includes a 10-year ban on re-entry and is grounded in its domestic laws on migration and asylum, as well as in respect for the principles of international cooperation and ASEAN solidarity.
The Government of Timor-Leste emphasized that harboring fugitives undermines efforts to combat transnational crime and disrupts diplomatic relations between sovereign states.
Teves has been on the Philippine police’s wanted list after fleeing to evade legal proceedings related to murder cases he is allegedly involved in.
Teves, who flew to Timor-Leste in 2023 to seek political asylum, was labeled by the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council as a terrorist.
Teves was rearrested on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, by Timor-Leste authorities and deported on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
