Davao City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that it is now time for former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. to face the criminal charges filed against him, following his repatriation to the Philippines. The announcement came after a Philippine Air Force plane, carrying Teves, made a refueling stop in Davao City before proceeding to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos welcomed the decision by Timor-Leste to repatriate Teves. He shared that he was informed of this development by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmo during the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. President Marcos expressed gratitude for the efforts of both President Jos© Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmo in bringing the matter to a conclusion.

Teves is facing multiple criminal charges, including the high-profile assassination of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo in 2023 and other murder cases from 2019. President Marcos assured citizens that lawlessness will not go unpunished, emphasizing the importance of justice in maintaining order.

Further developments include a video from the Presidential Communications Office, showing Teves being informed of his arrest by virtue of a warrant issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court in September 2023. The charges include 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder. Additionally, the Dumaguete RTC issued an arrest order against Teves in 2024 for murder, illegal possession of explosives and firearms, and violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

Under Resolution 43 (2023) of the Anti-Terrorism Council, Teves and 12 others have been designated as leaders of a terrorist organization, as per Section 25 of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. They are accused of orchestrated killings and acts of violence in Negros Oriental.