DFA: Teves given 5 days to leave Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste has given Teves five days to leave their country. (File photo: Congressman Arnie A.Teves/Facebook)

MANILA – Timor-Leste has denied the request of suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.’s for political asylum, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Tuesday night.

Timor-Leste has given Teves five days to leave their country.

“Today, the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste confirmed that Representative Teves’ application for political asylum has been denied,” it said.

“In accordance with the decision of the Timor-Leste Government, Representative Teves has been granted a period of five days to depart Timor-Leste. During this time, he also has the option to file an appeal regarding the decision,” it added.

The DFA confirmed that Teves is currently in Dili, Timor-Leste where he submitted his application for political asylum.

The solon, who is implicated in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, has yet to return to the Philippines despite the expiration of his personal travel authority last March 9.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said the government has taken “concrete steps” to designate Teves as a terrorist under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.