Timor-Leste sets conditions on Teves deportation

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MANILA, Philippines — Timor-Leste has set conditions before allowing the deportation of expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., according to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago.

Santiago said the Timorese government included a requirement in the certificate of handover mandating that Teves be treated humanely and not imprisoned for more than 40 years.

"As you can see, they want us to guarantee that his life imprisonment will not exceed 40 years," Santiago said in Filipino.

"The condition that it won't exceed 40 years—that's actually how our law is," he added.

Santiago explained that under Article 70 of the Revised Penal Code, the three-fold rule limits the total time a convict can serve, even for multiple charges. The maximum is capped at 40 years, regardless of the number or severity of convictions.

The certificate of handover, shown by the NBI to the media, outlines additional conditions: Teves must receive humane treatment, not be subjected to torture, and be held in internationally compliant detention facilities. It also specifies that he cannot be sentenced to death and must be guaranteed a fair and public trial in accordance with Philippine law.

Justice secretary's response. In a separate interview, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla downplayed the significance of these conditions.

"It was just a document that they needed to assure themselves that they were doing the right thing," he said.

"But it was really unnecessary because we have a more advanced legal system (compared with) Timor-Leste, a more mature one," he added.

Teves’ transfer and custody. Teves was arrested by Timor-Leste authorities on the evening of May 27.

Despite a habeas corpus petition granted in his favor, Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Interior decided to proceed with his deportation. He was transferred to the Philippines on May 29, where he was taken into NBI custody.

Prior to his arraignment, he will be detained at a Bureau of Corrections facility managed by the NBI in Muntinlupa City.

Charges against Teves. Teves faces multiple charges related to killings in Negros Oriental, including accusations that he masterminded the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo in 2023. The charges are as follows:

• 10 counts of murder at Manila RTC Branch 51
• 13 counts of frustrated murder at Manila RTC Branch 51
• 4 counts of attempted murder at Manila RTC Branch 51
• 1 case of murder at Manila RTC Branch 12
• 1 case of murder at Manila RTC Branch 15
• 1 case of murder at Bayawan RTC Branch 63
• Illegal possession of firearms and explosives at Manila RTC Branch 12
• Multiple cases under the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act at Quezon City RTC Branch 77