Official Portrait of Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental
Philippine House of Representatives
MUNTINLUPA CITY, Philippines — Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is now in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), following his deportation from Timor-Leste and amid multiple murder charges linked to the 2023 assassination of then-Governor Roel Degamo.
Teves, who was arrested by Timorese authorities for immigration violations and deported on May 29, arrived at the NBI’s high-security detention facility inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) compound in Muntinlupa City the following day. Authorities confirmed he was transferred to Building 14, a secure wing under the NBI’s exclusive control and reserved for high-risk detainees.
High-Security Transfer After Nearly Two Years Abroad
Teves was escorted in a bulletproof vehicle under heavy security upon arrival. He was accompanied by his mother and legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio. NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the former lawmaker is being held in an 8-square-meter cell equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, signal jammers, and 24/7 surveillance.
“Building 14 is strictly under the NBI. It is isolated from the rest of Bilibid’s general population and built for security and transparency,” Santiago said.
Teves’ return marks the end of a nearly two-year period abroad, during which he claimed to face grave threats to his life and family. He left the country in early 2023, shortly before he was linked to the killing of Governor Degamo.
The Assassination of Roel Degamo
On March 4, 2023, Governor Roel Degamo was shot and killed at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, during a weekend aid distribution event under the 4Ps program. Gunmen in military-style uniforms opened fire, killing Degamo and nine others, and injuring several residents.
Degamo, a three-term governor known for his grassroots programs, had recently reclaimed the position following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his rival’s proclamation. His assassination shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.
Multiple suspects were arrested in the days that followed, several of whom alleged that Teves orchestrated the attack—an accusation he denies and which remains unproven in court. The Department of Justice (DOJ) subsequently filed multiple counts of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder against him.
In August 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Teves a terrorist, citing his alleged leadership role in what they classified as an act of terrorism. It was a rare move involving a former legislator. An Interpol Red Notice was later issued, prompting international coordination that led to his arrest in Dili, Timor-Leste, on May 27, 2025.
Teves: “I Am Innocent”
Despite mounting legal pressure, Teves has consistently denied any involvement in Degamo’s killing. In various public statements and interviews, he claimed he was undergoing stem cell treatment in the United States at the time of the incident—a claim that has not been independently verified.
“There was no logic in it,” Teves said, asserting that his brother, Pryde Henry Teves—who briefly held the governorship before Degamo’s reinstatement—could not have reclaimed the position if Degamo had died, since the vice governor would be the legal successor.
Citing a “very grave threat” to his life, Teves refused to return to the Philippines after the charges were filed and instead sought political asylum in Timor-Leste, claiming political persecution. His asylum bid was denied, and he was deported after exhausting his appeals.
According to earlier statements by his lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, “Our client welcomes the chance to finally clear his name.” His legal team has also raised concerns about detention conditions and stressed the need for a fair, impartial trial.
From Congress to Custody
Teves served as congressman of Negros Oriental’s 3rd District from 2016 to 2023, winning three consecutive terms. He also held the post of Deputy Speaker from 2020 to 2022.
On August 16, 2023, he became the first sitting lawmaker in post-EDSA Philippine history to be expelled from the House of Representatives. The House cited disorderly behavior, refusal to comply with official summons, and damaging conduct on social media as grounds for his removal.
His congressional seat remained vacant until the May 2025 midterm elections, when Janice Degamo, widow of the slain governor, was elected to represent the district.
Awaiting Arraignment
Teves is expected to undergo arraignment in the coming days. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the case will be pursued with “full respect for due process” but emphasized the need for justice and closure.
“This is about more than one individual,” Remulla said. “This is about restoring faith in our institutions and ensuring that justice is served regardless of influence or position.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who had earlier urged Teves to return, welcomed the development, saying, “It is now time for Arnie Teves to face justice.”
