MANILA—Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will facilitate the repatriation of former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is expected to return to the Philippines within the month to face multiple criminal charges.

According to the Philippines News Agency, Secretary Remulla disclosed that arrangements are being finalized for Teves' "imminent" return, utilizing a PAF aircraft to transport him back from Timor-Leste, where he had fled following accusations related to a series of violent crimes. "Teves is coming home very soon. And our expectation is within the month," Remulla stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring a swift extradition.

Teves faces serious legal charges, including 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder, which stem from the March 4, 2023, shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. The incident tragically resulted in the deaths of Governor Roel Degamo and several others. Following these events, Teves fled to Dili, Timor-Leste, and sought political asylum. His initial arrest occurred in March while playing golf, and after a brief release, he was taken into custody again by the Polícia Nacional of Timor-Leste.

On June 27, the Department of Justice reported that the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste granted the Philippine government's request for Teves' extradition, a decision upheld despite his appeal, which the Timor-Leste government has since rejected.