Former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and others, was deported from Timor-Leste to the Philippines on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 

National Bureau of Investigation Director Jimmy Santiago was seen with Timor-Leste officials before Teves was brought out of the building, said a report on GMA News Online. 

Teves’ hands were handcuffed and his feet were shackled. He was accompanied by authorities to the Philippine Air Force plane, the report added. 

The plane carrying the former lawmaker left Timor-Leste past 2:40 p.m. (Philippine time).

Teves was arrested by Immigration police evening on May 27, 2025. 

The Timor-Leste government said evening on May 28, 2025, it will deport Teves as he has been in the country without a valid visa and legal authorization to stay.

The former lawmaker is facing multiple murder charges over the killing of Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023 at the Degamo residence in Pamplona town, Province of Negros Oriental.

Teves and others have also been charged with the alleged killings of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

He and 12 others have also been designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.

He was expelled by the House of Representatives in August 2024 for disorderly conduct and continued absence.