Arnie Teves' arrest: Justice and diplomacy at work

The arrest of former congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste last Tuesday was a breakthrough in his long-running legal troubles.

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For almost two years, Teves had been out of reach, despite serious charges—including alleged involvement in the 2023 assassination of Governor Roel Degamo. His fugitive status had become a major challenge for the Philippine justice system, demanding action.

His arrest in Dili by immigration officials shows that no country can indefinitely shelter someone who refuses to face accountability. While his son, Axl Teves, claims the arrest was "kidnapping," the reality is that Teves had nowhere left to go. With his passport revoked and bank accounts frozen, Timor-Leste could not legally allow him to stay. Instead of dragging the issue further, they decided to deport him—an acknowledgment that harboring an accused criminal would have serious consequences.