Teves Jr. deported, faces murder charges

Former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., accused of masterminding killings including that of Governor Roel Degamo, was deported from Timor-Leste and arrived in the Philippines on Thursday night after evading arrest for two years.

Upon his arrival at Villamor Air Base, Teves underwent booking procedures and a medical examination at the NBI headquarters, where he had an emotional reunion with his mother Zenaida, whom he hadn't seen for nearly two years.

Teves is currently detained at an NBI prison facility within the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) compound in Muntinlupa pending court orders on his further detention.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez assured that Teves will not receive any special treatment and praised the cooperation between Timor-Leste and the Philippines for his deportation, which was prompted by Timor-Leste's decision to deport him due to security concerns.

Teves faces multiple murder charges for seven killings in Negros Oriental in 2019 and 2023, including those of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, making him a designated terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.