Arnolfo Teves Jnr was apprehended in Dili in a joint operation by East Timorese police and immigration officials at his residence in the capital on Tuesday night, his son confirmed in a post on social media on Wednesday.
He left the country days before Degamo’s assassination, citing medical reasons, and later sought political asylum in East Timor. The application was rejected, but Teves remained in the country amid a prolonged legal battle over his extradition.
His lawyer in Dili, José Ximenes, denounced the arrest as unlawful, claiming it had been carried out without a valid warrant. “The arrest carried out by authorities is inhumane and illegal,” Ximenes told local reporters.
The Philippines’ Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday it was ready to arrange Teves’ return “by the most expeditious means” but was awaiting clarity on the matter.
