Marcos: ‘It is now time for Arnie Teves to face justice’

Roel Degamo (left) and Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.—PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said it is “now time for” Expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. “to face justice.”

Marcos said this after announcing that Teves has finally returned to the country after he was deported by the government of Timor-Leste.

“We would like to assure out citizens that such lawlessness will not go unpunished. It is now time for Arnie Teves to face justice,” said Marcos in a video statement.

READ: Teves deported to PH to face charges in Degamo slay

Meanwhile, Marcos said he was first informed by Timorese Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste’s plans to deport Teves during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Malaysia.

“This would not have happened without the assistance of President [Jose Ramos-]Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao of Timor Leste,” said Marcos.

“They have been working very hard to bring this to conclusion,” he added.

Teves’ deportation followed his arrest by Timor-Leste immigration authorities on Tuesday evening at his residence in Dili.

The plane carrying Teves departed from Timor-Leste at around 2:40 p.m. on Thursday (Manila time).

He is facing multiple counts of murder and frustrated murder under the Revised Penal Code, and is wanted in connection with the 2023 killing of Governor Roel Degamo, also known as the Pamplona massacre.