Teves deportation: DOJ mobilizes team to bring him back from Timor-Leste

A former Filipino Congressman charged with multiple murders in the Philippines, Arnolfo Teves Jr, center, is escorted by police officers in Dili, East Timor, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Sony da Costa)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has mobilized a joint team to facilitate the return of expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr.

“Based on the official deportation documents released by the Ministry of the Interior of Timor-Leste and in light of the strong pronouncement issued by the Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste, the DOJ has mobilized a joint team composed of representatives from the DOJ, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to coordinate closely with Timorese authorities and assist in the safe, secure, and lawful repatriation of Mr. Teves back to the Philippines,” the DOJ said in a statement Thursday morning.

Teves has lived in Timor-Leste for over two years and has been engaged in a legal battle with the Philippine government to prevent his return.

READ: No more Timor-Leste ‘paradise’ for Teves

Despite winning some legal cases previously, the Timor-Leste government recently decided to deport the former lawmaker, describing him as a “disruptive factor” in its bilateral relations with the Philippines.

The DOJ also took note of the statement issued by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste declaring Teves’ presence in their country as a “threat to national security and public order.”

“The DOJ lauds this act of regional responsibility and reiterates its appreciation to the Government of Timor-Leste for its commitment to justice, international rule of law, and regional stability,” the DOJ stated.

READ: Timor Leste tags Teves threat to nat’l security, decides to deport him

Teves has been charged with the 2023 murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in what is now known as the Pamplona Massacre.

Teves denies the charges and refuses to return to the Philippines, claiming political persecution. /dl