Former Lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Arrested in Timor-Leste Amid Serious Charges

Arnolfo Teves Jr., a former Filipino lawmaker, was arrested in Timor-Leste on charges linked to the murder of Governor Roel Degamo. His son accused authorities of kidnapping and mistreatment during the arrest. Teves maintains innocence and alleges political motivation behind the charges, while the DOJ has not yet commented on the incident.

In a significant development, former Negros Oriental Third District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. was apprehended on Tuesday evening in Dili, Timor-Leste. His arrest comes amid serious charges related to the 2023 murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, a case eerily dubbed the Pamplona Massacre. Teves, having been expelled from his position, has long maintained his innocence, asserting that he is a victim of political persecution, which culminated in his decision to remain outside of the Philippines.

This situation has garnered attention not only for the nature of the charges but also for the circumstances surrounding his arrest. A video shared by his son, Axl Teves, on social media shows Arnolfo Teves being forcibly taken from his residence by immigration officers. Axl commented in the post, expressing distress over the situation, claiming his father was “kidnapped and abused” during the process, an assertion that raises various questions about the manner of arrest.

Teves has firmly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the accusations against him. His refusal to return to the Philippines has drawn attention, particularly as he claims that the legal action against him is politically motivated. While this incident unfolds, the Philippines’ Department of Justice has not yet made a statement concerning the arrest or its implications.

The arrest of Arnolfo Teves Jr. marks a pivotal moment in a case rife with controversy and allegations of political persecution. The charges against him are severe, and his claims of being a victim of kidnapping and abuse complicate the narrative surrounding his legal troubles. As events progress, the lack of official statements from the DOJ creates an air of uncertainty about the procedural follow-up to this arrest.

Original Source: globalnation.inquirer.net