By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Declining to provide details, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio on Monday claimed that his client expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been released from preventive detention in Becora Prison in Dili, Timor Leste.
In reaction, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the release “was quite improbable” but it would check with authorities in Timor Leste.
“Rep. Arnoldo Teves released from preventive detention,” Topacio said in a message to reporters.
However, Topacio said their camp has no further comments, adding a formal statement would be released later.
To recall, Teves was arrested in Dili in March while playing golf based on the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice issued against him in February.
It was learned that a red notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and arrest a person pending his extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
The notice emanated from the multiple murder charges filed against Teves for the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others at the home of the then-governor on March 4, 2023.
Aside from the murder of Degamo, Teves and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.
The House of Representatives expelled Teves in August last year for his disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.
(el amigo/MNM)
