MANILA – Timor-Leste has granted the Philippine government’s request to extradite former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. back to the country.
According to Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the latest decision is a “resounding victory” despite several attempts from Teves’ camp to delay it.
“This is a resounding victory for the Filipino people, a testament of our present government’s unyielding commitment to attain real time Justice at all costs,” Remulla said in a statement.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in the Philippines for the alleged murder of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and others in March 2023.
Timor-Leste previously granted the country’s extradition request for Teves in June, but Teves’ camp contested the ruling on procedural grounds, specifically on the number of judges involved in the decision.
“Fortunately, the judicial system of Timor-Leste Court has been consistent with the tenets of fair play and justice considering the positive development in this case,” Remulla said.
“To reiterate, the Philippine government as a party in this case, highly commends the legal process of Timor-Leste for displaying the efficiency of their justice system,” he added.
Aside from the murder of Degamo, Teves and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019. He was also designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
He was also expelled by the House of Representatives in August last year for disorderly conduct and continued absence./PN
