MANILA (2nd UPDATE) – Expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. was arrested in Timor-Leste on Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

The DOJ said Teves Jr., who has been designated as a "terrorist" was arrested in in Dili, Timor-Leste at around 4 p.m. while playing golf 

Teves, Jr. is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Gov Roel Degamo and 5 others in March 2023.

The DOJ said the arrest of Teves was made possible through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the International Police (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Dili, in coordination with the Timor-Leste Police.

"Today's apprehension of Teves is a testament to the power of international cooperation. It sends a clear message that no terrorist can evade justice and that nations stand united in safeguarding the safety and security of their citizens,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said in a statement. 

Teves is now under the custody of Timor-Leste Police while his extradition to the Philippines is being worked out by NCB-Dili in coordination with the team from NCB-Manila and Dili Philippine Embassy. 

“The capture of Teves only proves that through concerted efforts and determination, terrorism can be thwarted and peace preserved,” Remulla said. 

“Face your long-delayed trial without setting any conditions, face the courts squarely,” Remulla urged Teves. 

Degamo's wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, welcomed Teves Jr.'s arrest.

"We already confirmed that the mastermind of my husbands murder has finally been captured by Timor-Leste police. Words cannot express how it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband surrounded by police," she said in a Facebook statement Thursday night. "Dalaygon ang buhi nga Dios!"

The Interpol issued a "red notice" against Teves, Jr. in February.

According to Interpol, a red notice is a "request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action," adding that it is "not an international arrest warrant."

In February, the DOJ through the Bureau of Immigration, issued two alert list orders against Teves.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 has also ordered the immediate cancellation of Teves Jr.'s passport.

The House of Representatives also expelled Teves Jr. from the chamber in August 2023 over his continued absence from his duties, amid allegations of masterminding the assassination of Degamo.

DOJ issues alert list orders vs. Teves

NBI told to find Teves as court orders cancellation of passport

House expels Teves from lawmaker duties over 'abandonment of office'