DOJ assures Teves’ safety as it seeks ex-lawmaker’s return

Former Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. (File photo: Congressman Arnie A.Teves/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday assured the safety of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., even as it seeks the latter’s return to Manila in the coming days either by deportation or extradition.

“Ang pinaka-priority po ni Secretary (Jesus Crispin) Remulla ngayon yung kaligtasan po ni Ginoong Teves. Alam ho natin na napakalaking kaso nito sa atin (The main priority of Secretary Remulla right now is the safety of Mr. Teves, This is a big criminal case here), and we just want to make sure that he is here to stand trial, safe and sound.,” Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a press briefing.

The DOJ earlier confirmed the arrest of Teves in Dili East Timor Thursday afternoon while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar. Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Gov Roel Degamo and five others in March 2023.

“(W)e dont have any information of any death threats or any security risks that Mr. Teves is facing and again the priority of the government is for him to face the charges the best way he can kasi kasama naman yan sa(because that is part of) due process. So, it is in our best interest and his best interest that he is safe, secure and healthy,” Clavano said.

He said the DOJ is currently studying how to go about returning Teves to the Philippines, whether through extradition under the United Nations Convention on Transnational and Organized Crime (UNCTOC) or through deportation as an undocumented alien there.

“We have to consider the different options. In extradition, there will be international obligations, which means that it will take some time because of the documents needed to send to Timor Leste, such as the warrant of arrest, the investigation sheet here in the Philippines,” he said.

“As for deportation, it will be faster because he no longer has a valid passport, although, the timing will have to be dependent on the Timor-Leste government.”

Once back in the Philippines, Teves may have to be surrendered before the Manila court where he has been charged before being committed to a secure detention facility.