Arnolfo Teves Jr. Arrested by Timor-Leste Immigration Police Amid Legal Turmoil

Arnolfo Teves Jr., former Negros Oriental lawmaker, was arrested by Timor-Leste immigration. His attorney questioned the legality of the detentions and raised concerns about mistreatment. Teves is facing serious charges linked to the March 2023 Pamplona massacre and has been labeled a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

In a significant development, former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. was apprehended by immigration officials in Timor-Leste. This was confirmed by his lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, who reported the arrest occurred at 8 PM on Tuesday, May 27, local time. Notably, Teves was arrested at his residence, highlighting the abrupt nature of the incident.

Alongside Teves, his legal counsel in Timor-Leste, Dr. Joao Sera, was also taken into custody. Topacio has raised concerns about the legality of the detentions, stating, “No warrant or any written authority was shown to Mr. Teves and Dr. Sera as to the cause of detention.” There are allegations of mistreatment directed at the immigration police, as Topacio mentioned Sera was reportedly manhandled during the arrest.

Currently, both Teves and Sera are being held in a facility associated with the Ministry of the Interior, with Teves having access to legal representation within the compound. Topacio reassured that another lawyer is also present to assist Teves in the detention center.

The background of this incident is troubling; Teves lost his passport following the cancellation by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which stemmed from a Manila court’s order. This court action is linked to serious criminal charges involving the massacre that took place in Pamplona, Negros Oriental on March 4, 2023, claiming the lives of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

Further complicating the situation, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) sanctioned Teves as a terrorist, not only for the recent massacre but also for reported involvement in various other terrorist activities in the region. The ongoing developments in this case are being closely monitored as legal proceedings unfold.

Arnolfo Teves Jr. has been arrested by Timor-Leste immigration police, along with his local counsel, under disputed circumstances. With his passport revoked by the DFA and facing severe charges related to a massacre in March, Teves’s situation is part of a broader legal saga that includes accusations of terrorism. This case will undoubtedly raise numerous legal questions moving forward, as both Teves and Sera remain in detention while seeking counsel.

Original Source: politiko.com.ph