Timor-Leste is a country in Southeast Asia. Right now, something important is happening there with a man named Arnolfo Teves Jr., who used to be a representative (a kind of leader) in a place called Negros Oriental in the Philippines.
The government of Timor-Leste said that Arnie Teves has been in their country for more than two years without the right papers. It’s like if you stayed somewhere without a permission slip or ticket that says you can stay. Because of this, Timor-Leste decided to send him back to the Philippines. This sending back is called “deportation.”
The Timor-Leste government explained they made this choice because:
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Arnie doesn’t have a valid visa (which is a special permission to stay in another country).
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His Philippine passport was canceled by the Philippines government. So, Timor-Leste said he doesn’t have the right papers to stay.
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They believe that if Arnie stays longer, it might cause trouble between Timor-Leste and the Philippines.
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They also worry that other people who want to avoid the law might think Timor-Leste is a safe place to hide, and that could cause problems for the country.
Arnie Teves is also known because he is accused of being involved in a serious crime: the killing of Roel Degamo, who was the governor (another important leader) of Negros Oriental. This happened in March 2023. Arnie asked Timor-Leste for “asylum,” which means he asked for protection because he is worried about what might happen to him if he goes back to the Philippines.
Recently, Arnie was caught by Timor-Leste immigration police. His family said he was taken without showing any official papers like a warrant. His lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, said that the court in Timor-Leste has given an order called a “writ of habeas corpus.” This means the police have to bring Arnie to court within 48 hours so the court can check if he is being held legally.
Timor-Leste also said they want to follow the rules because soon, in October, they will become part of a big group of countries called ASEAN. Being part of ASEAN means they have to work together with other countries to keep peace and follow the law.
So, the big question is: Will Arnie Teves stay in Timor-Leste or will he be sent back to the Philippines soon?
