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Advocates Philippines
Arnie Teves Finally Back In PH: Immigration Hails 'Landmark' Return As Justice Takes Center Stage
Photo credit: PTV
It’s official—former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is finally back on Philippine soil. And for the Bureau of Immigration (BI), his return is nothing short of a milestone in the Marcos administration’s push for justice and accountability.
Teves, who’s been in hot water for the murder of Governor Roel Degamo and other serious charges, landed in Manila on the evening of May 29 aboard a Philippine Air Force aircraft. That moment marked a major win not just for law enforcement but for everyone who’s been calling for justice since the high-profile assassination rocked the country last year.
The BI was quick to commend the successful deportation, calling it a “landmark achievement” in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign for a fair and rules-based society. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado couldn’t have put it more clearly: “This operation reflects our shared commitment to the Bagong Pilipinas agenda—rooted in justice, accountability, and a strong, rules-based society.”
And this wasn’t a solo act. The operation showcased solid teamwork between the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and of course, the BI. It also highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Timor Leste, which played a key role in Teves’ return.
When Teves arrived, he didn’t have a passport—it had already been canceled. Instead, he presented a travel document, and BI officers were on hand to ensure every step of the process followed legal protocol.
Viado also made it clear: the BI is all in when it comes to helping other agencies go after individuals involved in terrorism, transnational crime, and violence. “We stand firmly with the DOJ family, as well as our law enforcement and security agencies in ensuring that no individual evades justice, no matter where they flee,” he said.
As Teves now faces the charges against him back home, one thing is certain—this whole operation sends a strong message: if you break the law, you can’t run forever.
Teves, who’s been in hot water for the murder of Governor Roel Degamo and other serious charges, landed in Manila on the evening of May 29 aboard a Philippine Air Force aircraft. That moment marked a major win not just for law enforcement but for everyone who’s been calling for justice since the high-profile assassination rocked the country last year.
The BI was quick to commend the successful deportation, calling it a “landmark achievement” in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign for a fair and rules-based society. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado couldn’t have put it more clearly: “This operation reflects our shared commitment to the Bagong Pilipinas agenda—rooted in justice, accountability, and a strong, rules-based society.”
And this wasn’t a solo act. The operation showcased solid teamwork between the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and of course, the BI. It also highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Timor Leste, which played a key role in Teves’ return.
When Teves arrived, he didn’t have a passport—it had already been canceled. Instead, he presented a travel document, and BI officers were on hand to ensure every step of the process followed legal protocol.
Viado also made it clear: the BI is all in when it comes to helping other agencies go after individuals involved in terrorism, transnational crime, and violence. “We stand firmly with the DOJ family, as well as our law enforcement and security agencies in ensuring that no individual evades justice, no matter where they flee,” he said.
As Teves now faces the charges against him back home, one thing is certain—this whole operation sends a strong message: if you break the law, you can’t run forever.
May 30, 2025
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