MANILA – The Philippine government’s request for the extradition of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. has passed the first screening by Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Justice.
According to Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Mico Clavano, the extradition request has already been endorsed to Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals.
“Preparations are ongoing for the return of former congressman Teves to the Philippines. Hinihintay pa rin po natin ang desisyon ng Court of Appeals doon sa Timor-Leste dahil po pinasa na ng Ministry of Justice ang ating request sa Court of Appeals,” Clavano said.
Clavano added that the DOJ expects to receive a decision from the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals regarding Teves’ extradition within the next few weeks.
“Kailangan lang po muna natin na maghintay at maging patient sa desisyon ng Court of Appeals dahil hindi naman natin teritoryo iyan. We will just have to abide and comply with the direction and the decision of the Court of Appeals,” he said.
Teves, the suspected mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023, was arrested last month while playing golf at a driving range in Dili, the capital of East Timor.
The former lawmaker repeatedly denied his involvement in the killings, claiming that he was out of the country at the time of the attack and never returned following the governor’s death.
In August, 2023, Teves was expelled by the House of Representatives for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.
Teves was also designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental./PN
