Photo credit: Mayor Janice Degamo

Former Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has once again made headlines following a recent development in his case in Timor Leste. According to reports from a local Timorese website, the Court of Appeals there has ordered Teves to be placed under house arrest. This decision comes as the Philippines seeks his extradition.

A copy of the court order obtained states that Teves will remain under house arrest while awaiting the court's decision on the extradition petition filed by the Philippines. Attorney Ferdinand Topacio, Teves' lawyer in the Philippines, clarified that the Timorese court deemed his client not a flight risk, hence allowing him to be confined to his residence in Timor Leste.

Teves has reportedly spent nights at his residence there. However, he is restricted from leaving the house except for emergencies and requires court permission, as emphasized by Topacio.

In a photo released by Attorney Topacio, Teves is seen not wearing a detainee uniform, indicating his house arrest status.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed receiving information about Teves' house arrest status from the Timor Leste Prosecutor General. According to Undersecretary Raul Vasquez of the DOJ, regardless of Teves' specific status (house arrest, in custody, or rearrested), he remains under the control of police authorities and deprived of liberty. The extradition proceedings are ongoing.