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Arnie Teves Arrested In Timor-Leste - Son Cries 'Kidnap' In Viral Post
Screengrab from Axl Teves
Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been arrested in Timor-Leste, and the scene is quickly making waves online—especially after his son, Axl Teves, posted a dramatic video on social media calling it a “kidnap.”
According to Axl’s Facebook post early Wednesday, the controversial ex-lawmaker was nabbed Tuesday evening right inside his residence in Dili, Timor-Leste. In a brief but tense 10-second clip, Teves is seen being forced out of the house by people believed to be immigration officers and local authorities.
“This is to inform everyone that my father, Arnie Teves, has been kidnapped earlier today at around 8:00 PM local time by immigration authorities,” Axl said in his emotional video. He insisted the arrest was done “without legal documents or an arrest warrant.”
The incident has stirred fresh attention around Teves, who has been in Timor-Leste seeking asylum after being accused of masterminding the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. While he’s long denied any involvement, the accusations led to his expulsion from the House of Representatives and a warrant for his arrest back in the Philippines.
As of now, there’s no official confirmation from either the Philippine government or Timor-Leste officials about what charges—if any—prompted the arrest. What’s clear is that this saga is far from over, and the next few days could bring major updates.
Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.
According to Axl’s Facebook post early Wednesday, the controversial ex-lawmaker was nabbed Tuesday evening right inside his residence in Dili, Timor-Leste. In a brief but tense 10-second clip, Teves is seen being forced out of the house by people believed to be immigration officers and local authorities.
“This is to inform everyone that my father, Arnie Teves, has been kidnapped earlier today at around 8:00 PM local time by immigration authorities,” Axl said in his emotional video. He insisted the arrest was done “without legal documents or an arrest warrant.”
The incident has stirred fresh attention around Teves, who has been in Timor-Leste seeking asylum after being accused of masterminding the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. While he’s long denied any involvement, the accusations led to his expulsion from the House of Representatives and a warrant for his arrest back in the Philippines.
As of now, there’s no official confirmation from either the Philippine government or Timor-Leste officials about what charges—if any—prompted the arrest. What’s clear is that this saga is far from over, and the next few days could bring major updates.
Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.
May 28, 2025
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