DOJ's Remulla discusses PH POGO ban, Arnie Teves during Timor-Leste visit

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and other top officials during a state visit, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday.

The DOJ said the Philippine delegation informed the Timor-Leste government that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has imposed a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.

It said Remulla detailed the difficulties experienced by the Philippine government regarding POGOs, including issues related to crime, regulatory evasion, and potential threats to public safety.

“It was relayed that there are reports indicating Timor-Leste as one of the possible destinations where POGO operations could transfer,” the DOJ said in a statement.

Officials are currently investigating illegal POGOs in the country as well as personalities being linked to illegal operations, including dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and others.

Guo, also identified as Guo Hua Ping, was tagged as a Chinese spy by Chinese Cambodian businessman She Zhijiang in a report of international news channel Al Jazeera.

Guo has denied knowing or having any connection with She.

LOOK: SOJ Jesus Crispin Remulla meets with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in state visit.

The DOJ said Remulla informed the Timor-Leste government on the PH's POGO ban and discussed the situation of former lawmaker Arnie Teves Jr. @gmanews

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— Joahna Lei Casilao (@joahnacasilao) October 2, 2024

Arnie Teves

Aside from this, Remulla expressed hope that the Timor-Leste government would continue to cooperate in ensuring that former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. will be returned to the Philippines.

Teves is facing multiple murder charges for the killing of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others in March 2023. The death toll in the shooting climbed to 10 after one of the persons wounded succumbed to his injuries.

Last June, the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals granted the Philippine’s request for the extradition of Teves.

However, the court recently ordered for evidence to be presented again in the case after the Teves camp contested the ruling on procedural grounds.

"This case is about delivering justice under the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable," Remulla said.

"We continue to respect the sovereignty and legal processes of Timor Leste, but we are steadfast in our resolve to pursue justice for the victims in the Philippines," he added.

Meanwhile, the DOJ said that the other matters discussed involved national security, international cooperation, and sensitive diplomatic exchanges.

Interpol red notice

Teves was arrested in Timor-Leste in March based on the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice issued against him in February.

A red notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and arrest a person pending his extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

Teves was released from house arrest in June.

Aside from the murder of Degamo, Teves and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Teves and 12 others have also been designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.

He was expelled by the House of Representatives in August last year for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.

The former lawmaker has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News