The Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste has granted the extradition request of the Philippine government against former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. The Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Philippines announced this significant development on Thursday, June 27, citing information from the attorney-general of Timor-Leste.
“We have won. We look forward to the arrival of Mr. Teves so that he may finally face the charges against him in our local courts,” DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said. However, Clavano did not immediately specify when Teves is expected to return to the Philippines.
The Philippine government sought Teves’ extradition to face multiple charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder. These charges are connected to the March 4, 2023, assassination of then Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others. Teves, who has been out of the country since last year, was recently released from house arrest in Timor-Leste, although his movements remained restricted and subject to close monitoring.
Teves was initially arrested on March 21 by local law enforcers in Timor-Leste after the International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol, issued a red notice against him. The Manila trial court has since issued an arrest order for Teves and canceled his Philippine passport.
In addition to Degamo’s murder, Teves faces charges related to the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019. His legal troubles have been compounded by his designation as a “terrorist” last year, following his expulsion from the House of Representatives for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.
The murder trial of Teves has already commenced before the Manila court, where government prosecutors have begun presenting evidence and witnesses. One of his co-accused, Marvin Miranda, was arraigned but did not enter a plea, prompting the court to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Other defendants, Angelo and Jay Ann Palagtiw pleaded not guilty.
As of now, Teves’ camp has yet to state the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste’s decision to grant the extradition request. This development marks a crucial step in bringing Teves back to the Philippines to face the serious charges against him, ensuring that justice is pursued for the victims and their families. The DOJ remains vigilant and committed to following through with the legal proceedings to uphold the rule of law and deliver justice.