Authorities in Timor-Leste have arrested former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said, according to a report by GMA News Online.

The arrest came more than a year since Degamo was killed at his home in Negros Oriental on March 4, 2023.

Teves was spotted last in Timor-Leste in September 2023 after a chance encounter with a former senator. He tried to seek asylum in in the country but was denied.

In February 2024, Teves was placed on the red notice list of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

A red notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. 

Teves is facing several charges in line with Degamo’s death, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.

Aside from the murder of Degamo, Teves and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Teves has denied the allegations repeatedly.

In August 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Teves a terrorist along with 11 others.

Also in August 2023, the House of Representatives expelled Teves for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.