Teves under house arrest in Timor-Leste

Expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., tagged as the mastermind behind the March 4, 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, is under house arrest in TimorLeste as authorities process his possible extradition.

- DAPHNE GALVEZ

The Department of Justice and Teves' lawyer confirmed this development yesterday, with the DOJ citing the Prosecutor General's Office of Timor-Leste.

"He will be under 24hour security, with only family members permitted to visit him. The government will maintain close oversight of the situation to ensure that all procedures are both valid and appropriate," the DOJ said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez explained that Teves is "under the control of the police authorities" and is "deprived of liberty" while hearings on his extradition are ongoing.