This is the dramatic moment a Filipino former lawmaker was arrested by police in Timor-Leste for allegedly assassinating his political rival.

Footage shows ex-congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., 53, being hauled away by the officers in the capital Dili on May 27.

Arnolfo has been in exile in Timor-Leste since fleeing the Philippines in 2023. He has refused to return to his home country, claiming alleged threats to his life.

The Timor-Leste government spokesman said in a statement on May 28: 'The Government of Timor-Leste believes that the presence of Filipino citizen Arnolfo Teves Jr. in its territory, who is suspected of having committed several serious crimes and has been formally charged by the judicial authorities of the Republic of the Philippines – a member country of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – represents a serious and unacceptable situation.

'His extended stay in Timor-Leste for over two years poses a disruptive factor in bilateral relations between the two States and establishes a serious precedent with potential implications for internal security. The perception that Timor-Leste might be viewed as a refuge for individuals fleeing international justice undermines the integrity of our borders and our shared efforts to combat transnational crime.'

Arnolfo also allegedly made numerous immigration violations while seeking asylum. He was repatriated to the Philippines on Thursday, May 29.

Philippine authorities said he will undergo health checks before being detained at a National Bureau of Investigation facility.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said: 'We waited two years for this to happen, and we thank the Lord that this is it, this is the reckoning we've been waiting for, and he really must face the charges against him.'

Arnolfo is wanted for allegedly orchestrating the assassination of his political rival, Roel Degamo, governor of Negros Oriental, and nine others in 2023. The victims were gunned down in broad daylight during a relief distribution activity at Degamo's estate.

Arnolfo was expelled from Congress and later sought asylum in Timor-Leste, prompting Interpol to issue a Red Notice.

He was previously arrested in March 2024, but managed to remain in Timor-Leste despite the Court of Appeals approving his extradition twice.