DFA ‘disappointed’ over Timor-Leste’s refusal to extradite Teves

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

FILE: The Department of Foreign Affairs Building along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, which used to be the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank. (Photo By Lawrence Ruiz, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is disappointed over Timor-Leste’s decision to deny the Philippine government’s request to extradite former Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., its spokesperson said Thursday.

In a statement, Ma. Teresita Daza indicated that the department interprets this as Timor-Leste lacking trust in the Philippines’ justice system.

“We are disappointed that Timor-Leste has not shown enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines, a founding member of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which it seeks to join, and among the very first ASEAN member states to convey support for its aspiration to join the association,” Daza said.

She said Timor-Leste’s application depends on its compliance with the roadmap for full membership in the ASEAN and its accession to the ASEAN Charter.

She added that a country must be “able to demonstrate that it shares the spirit of trust and cooperation that ASEAN member states accord one another, not only within the framework of ASEAN but also in their bilateral relations.”

Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and five others in March 2023.

On March 20, Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals issued a decision junking the Philippine government’s request to extradite the former congressman, citing concerns over potential risks of torture or inhumane treatment.

In an earlier Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that such practices are prohibited under Philippine law.