MANILA — Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., recently deported after hiding for two years abroad, expressed a desire for a speedy legal process, asserting his innocence.

The expelled lawmaker is now in custody at the Bureau of Corrections.

“The truth is I’m not happy that I would be detained even though I’m not yet convicted,” Teves stated during a press briefing at the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters. “I know that my conscience is clear. So my [request] is that the process will be quick so I can get this over with.”

Teves, 53, faces multiple charges across several courts, including 10 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, four counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and violations of the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

The former lawmaker is accused of orchestrating the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, an attack that also claimed the lives of nine others. An Interpol red notice had been issued for his arrest.

“He didn’t want to go home” – Remulla

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed doubts regarding Teves’ claims of wanting to resolve his legal issues prior to deportation.

“No. He really just did not want to go home,” Remulla said.

“In fact, if you analyze everything that happened, when it happened, he was abroad. But if he really was innocent, he really would have come home,” he added.

Remulla questioned Teves’ movements, noting his travels to various countries and extended stay in Timor-Leste before deportation.

“So what gives? Isn’t flight an indication of guilt?” he remarked.

Teves was deported by Timor-Leste after his arrest by local immigration authorities at his residence in Dili on Tuesday.

He arrived in the Philippines on Thursday evening and was promptly taken to the National Bureau of Investigation for booking procedures.

📷 NBI, DOJ