DOJ to appeal Timor-Leste court’s rejection of Teves’ extradition

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government was “surprised” at the Timor-Leste court’s “adverse ruling” overturning its December 2024 decision approving Teves’ extradition. (PNA file photo by Darryl John Esguerra)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to appeal the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals’ decision denying the extradition of former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., Malacañang said on Friday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government was “surprised” at the Timor-Leste court’s “adverse ruling” overturning its December 2024 decision approving Teves’ extradition.

“Medyo nagulat po ang administrasyon, lalong-lalo na po ang DOJ, patungkol po dito (The administration, especially the DOJ, was somewhat surprised at this),” Castro said in a press briefing.

She said the DOJ had provided all the necessary evidence and records to support the extradition request, including proof that the Philippines has no active death penalty in place.

Castro, citing DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, confirmed that the justice department would file an appeal before Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals to challenge the decision.

“Ayon po sa DOJ… mag-aapela po sila, magfa-file po sila ng appeal sa Court of Appeals ng Timor-Leste (According to the DOJ… they will appeal, they will file an appeal with the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals),” she said.

The Timor-Leste court’s decision cited concerns over potential risks of torture or inhumane treatment, as prohibited under their Constitution, leading to the denial of the extradition request.

Castro emphasized that such practices are also prohibited under Philippine law.

“Kahit naman po sa konstitusyon natin ay bawal po ‘yan (Even in our Constitution, that is prohibited),” she said.

She said the administration remains committed to seeking justice for the alleged victims despite the setback in the former lawmaker’s extradition case.

“Hangga’t makakaya ng administrasyon, ilalaban pa rin natin ito para po sa hustisya sa mga diumano’y biktima (The administration will do its best to continue to fight for justice for the alleged victims)”, she said.

In a statement Thursday, the DOJ said it is “seeking clarification on this unexpected shift” and reaffirmed its commitment to bringing Teves back to the Philippines to face justice.

“The government will explore all legal options to ensure accountability and uphold international cooperation in this matter. Updates will follow once the official decision is received,” it added.

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.

On Dec. 2, 2024, the Timorese court granted the Philippine government’s extradition request for the second time, noting that the Philippine legal system is functional and safeguards the rights of the accused.