Timor-Leste rejects Teves’ appeal to stop his extradition

Ousted Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. and designated terrorist Arnolfo Teves Jr. (File Photo: Arnie A.Teves Congressman 3rd District Negros Oriental/Facebook)

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Timor-Leste government has turned down the appeal filed by former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves on his extradition to the Philippines.

In a statement Wednesday night, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it received an official update from the Prosecutor General of Timor-Leste regarding Teves’ motion for reconsideration seeking to reverse the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals’ decision on his extradition.

“We wish to inform the public that this motion has been denied,” the DOJ said.

“We recognize the importance of this decision and are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the ruling is “a significant step forward.”

“This decision underscores that justice proceeds irrespective of an individual’s status,” Remulla said.

Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 over the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that led to the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and several others.

Teves fled to Dili, Timor-Leste, and applied for political asylum.

In March, he was arrested while playing golf. He was released from Becora Prison but was re-arrested and transferred to the Polícia Nacional of Timor-Leste.

On June 27, the DOJ said the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste granted the Philippines’ request for Teves’ extradition.

Teves has filed an appeal on the ruling.

The DOJ earlier said Philippine law enforcement agencies have a team ready to fly to Timor-Leste to bring Teves back to Manila once the appeal has been resolved.