MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has urged Timor-Leste authorities to speed up the deportation proceedings of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.
According to Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, his office received reports that Teves’ son has allegedly offered a bribe to a member of the East Timor police to ensure “special treatment” on his father.
Based on the information the DOJ gathered, Teves’ son offered a bribe to a member of the Criminal Investigation Police in the amount of $2,000 or P114,000 in exchange for “security” inside and outside the Becora Prison.
“Go home and face the court squarely,” Remulla said. “Let us stop playing hide and seek with the law. One cannot evade accountability for eternity. Prolonging your liabilities with the Rule of Law only worsens your predicament.”
Teves, the suspected mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental gtovernor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023, was arrested last month while playing golf at a driving range in Dili.
The former lawmaker repeatedly denied his involvement in the killings, claiming that he was out of the country at the time of the attack and never returned following the governor’s death.
In August, 2023, Teves was expelled by the House of Representatives for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.
Teves was also designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental./PN
