Today, our government sends a clear message: justice is patient, persistent, and absolute and no one is beyond the reach of our laws.

Upon instructions from the President, we have brought back to the Philippines, Mr. Arnolfo Teves, Jr., to face the murder charges that have been filed against him for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and nine (9) others on March 4, 2023.

As Chair of Task Force Degamo, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sees this arrest as a strong message that our government will not stop until justice is served.

This is the result of years of coordinated effort across government, guided by the priorities set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This arrest reflects the determination of our law enforcement agencies to track down and bring back those who attempt to evade justice.

The DILG worked closely with the Department of Justice, Department of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies to make sure the deportation of Teves was done safely and properly. He must now face the charges and go through the legal process.

We also sincerely thank the Ministry of the Interior of Timor-Leste for their support. This shows how important international cooperation is in making sure those who break the law are held accountable.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/STATEMENT-OF-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-THE-INTERIOR-AND-LOCAL-GOVERNMENT-ON-THE-RETURN-OF-ARNOLFO-TEVES-JR-TO-THE-PHILIPPINES/NC-2025-1051