DILI, TIMOR-LESTE — The government of Timor-Leste is deporting fugitive lawmaker Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., citing his continued presence as a threat to national security and a stain on Southeast Asian cooperation.

Teves, a former congressman accused of multiple murders—including the brazen 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo—has been residing in Timor-Leste for over two years while seeking asylum. Timorese authorities announced Tuesday that he will be deported immediately.

The Philippine government has formally charged Teves with 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and 4 counts of attempted murder, all tied to a violent spree between 2019 and 2023. The most notable incident was the March 2023 attack on Governor Degamo’s residence, where assailants in military camouflage opened fire, killing Degamo and eight others, and wounding at least 17 people. The attack was captured on security cameras and shocked the nation.

Timor-Leste, poised to become a full-fledged member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this October, emphasized that it will not allow itself to be seen as a safe haven for fugitives dodging international justice. In a statement, the government said:

“His extended stay poses a disruptive factor in bilateral relations… and establishes a serious precedent with potential implications for internal security.”

Officials noted that Teves no longer has a valid visa or a legitimate passport, as the Philippine government has canceled his travel documents. The Ministry of the Interior cited national migration laws in ordering Teves’ deportation and imposed a 10-year ban on his reentry.

The move appears to be a pointed message to regional neighbors and a show of good faith ahead of Timor-Leste’s full entry into ASEAN, the 10-member bloc that includes the Philippines. The statement added:

“Timor-Leste cannot and will not be a hideout for those fleeing justice.”

No further details on the timeline of the deportation or Teves’ next steps have been released at this time.

📷 Screengrab fro📷 SMnews Puru, screengrab from Axl Teves