Teves deportation lawful, not abduction – Palace

The recent return of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnulfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the Philippines was a lawful operation based on valid arrest warrants, not an abduction, according to Malacañang.

Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Erel Cabatbat, who was part of the government’s extraction team, addressed claims by Teves’ son, Axl, who alleged on social media that his father had been kidnapped and mistreated.

“We respect Axl Teves’ statement, but this operation was purely the enforcement of legal orders,” Cabatbat said in a Palace press briefing Friday. “There are standing arrest warrants issued by Philippine courts, and we are duty-bound to implement them.”

Cabatbat stressed that the operation was carried out in full coordination with Timor-Leste authorities and followed legal protocols. He also emphasized that the arrest warrant originated in the Philippines and was executed in accordance with proper judicial procedures.

The successful extraction, he added, was made possible through President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s high-level diplomatic efforts. The President secured the cooperation of Timor-Leste’s government during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“This mission was conducted under the direct instruction of the President,” Cabatbat said, noting the involvement of the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Air Force.

Teves, who had been residing in Timor-Leste for more than two years, faces multiple criminal charges, including the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in 2023 and several murder cases from 2019.

He was formally turned over to Philippine authorities at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili on Thursday afternoon.

“There was an initial agreement to turn him over immediately upon our arrival, although there were minor changes. Still, the process went smoothly,” Cabatbat shared. “After the necessary documents were signed, former Congressman Teves was brought out in handcuffs and leg shackles.”

Upon arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Teves was placed under the custody of the NBI. He was read his Miranda rights in-flight and informed of at least 10 outstanding arrest warrants against him.