Timor-Leste grants anew Teves extradition to PH — DOJ

Timor-Leste has again granted the request of the Philippine government to extradite former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. back to the country, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.

Teves is facing multiple murder charges in the Philippines for the alleged murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and others in March 2023.

"This is a resounding victory for the Filipino people, a testament of our present government's unyielding commitment to attain real time Justice at all costs," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.

JUST IN: DOJ says Timor-Leste has again granted the request of the Philippine government to extradite former lawmaker Arnie Teves back to the country @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking

— Joahna Lei Casilao (@joahnacasilao) December 5, 2024

Timor-Leste previously granted the country's extradition request for Teves in June.

However, Teves' camp contested the ruling on procedural grounds, specifically on the number of judges involved in the decision. This prompted the Timor-Leste court to order the parties to again present evidence in the case.

"Fortunately, the judicial system of Timor Leste Court has been consistent with the tenets of fair play and justice considering the positive development in this case," the DOJ said in its statement.

"To reiterate, the Philippine government as a party in this case, highly commends the legal process of Timor Leste for displaying the efficiency of their justice system," it added.

Teves’ legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio declined to comment, saying he has yet to read the decision.

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.

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