Ex-Lawmaker Arnie Teves Deported from Timor-Leste to Face Charges

Arnie Teves, a former Philippine lawmaker, was deported from Timor-Leste on May 29, 2025, to face criminal charges. The Timorese government announced Teves' deportation on May 28th, citing a lack of visa and legal documents. "Teves had no visa, legal papers, or valid passport to warrant his stay in Timor-Leste," stated a Timorese official. A Philippine delegation, including NBI Director Jaime Santiago and DOJ Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz, oversaw his return. Teves' lawyers claim he was arrested in Dili on May 27th by immigration police, though the reason for the arrest was unclear initially. The successful deportation marks the end of Teves' evasion of arrest and his return to the Philippines to face justice.