NBI chief: Trip to Timor-Leste to see detained Teves a ‘challenge’

MANILA, Philippines — “Pinapahirapan kami,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Medardo De Lemos said in a press conference Monday when he gave updates about the arrest of former Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.

He described their trip to Timor-Leste as challenging and emotional for him and his team.

“Nararamdaman natin na talagang pinapahirapan kami,” De Lemos said.

(It seemed like we were being made to struggle.)

De Lemos and his team had gone to Timor-Leste after Teves’ arrest was confirmed. Their trip was to confirm the arrestee’s identity and hope of bringing the former lawmaker back to the Philippines.

READ: DOJ confirms Teves’ arrest in East Timor

The NBI team brought the documents to prove the validity of Teves’ inclusion in the International Crime Police Organization (INTERPOL).

De Lemos said they also wanted to see Teves while in detention.

“Akala namin bibigay na opportunity makunan ng picture [si Cong. Teves as proof of life, pero] hindi. So nag-isip kami kung ano ang maging next move namin. Marami ang naging ganoong challenges na medyo tingin namin ay mahirap,” De Lemos said.

(We thought there would be an opportunity to take a picture of Teves as proof of life, but there wasn’t. So we thought about our next move. There were many challenges that we felt were quite difficult.)

De Lemos said they were prompted to seek an audience with Timor-Leste President José Ramos Horta.

“Sinabi namin (We said), we extend the gratitude of the Filipino nation, our President, our Secretary of Justice, and our agency for acting swiftly to arrest Cong. Teves,” De Lemos said.

Only after meeting Horta were they allowed to see Teves.