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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ to ask Timor-Leste to turn over to PH expelled congressman Teves Jr.

DOJ to ask Timor-Leste to turn over to PH expelled congressman Teves Jr.

Published Nov 13, 2023 10:12 am

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to ask the government of Timor-Leste to turn over to the Philippines expelled Negros Oriental congressman  Arnolfo A. Teves Jr.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said he has conveyed the DOJ's intention during his meeting with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta last Saturday, Nov. 11.

“I just told him we will be filing the necessary information and necessary letters to his office to inform them formally of the charges pending against Mr. Teves and the duties of rendition are there and that, under the United Nations agreement on terrorism, there is a duty for member states to surrender unto the prosecuting country the body of any terrorist so that they may be held for trial,” Remulla said during a press briefing.

On the part of Horta, Remulla recounted that the Timor-Leste president replied: “I will await that.”

“We look at it favorably,” said Remulla who also revealed that he was invited by Horta to visit Timor-Leste.

During the hour-long meeting with Horta, Remulla said he raised the possibility of signing three treaties between the Philippines and Timor-Leste.

“I brought up to his attention three treaties which will possibly be signed: the mutual legal assistance treaty which is a standard treaty that we sign with friendly states; the extradition treaty which is a basic agreement among states so that people can be held for trial under the judicial systems; and the other one of course is the transfer of sentenced persons,” Remulla recounted.

Last Aug. 1, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) announced that it has designated Teves and alleged members of the Teves' group as "terrorists."

Teves is also facing multiple charges over the March 4 shooting in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that led to deaths of 10 persons including Gov. Roel Degamo and the injuries sustained by 18 other individuals.

The expelled legislator is also facing murder  charges over 2019 killings of three persons -- former Negros Oriental board member and former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent Michael Dungog; Lester Bato, a body guard of Basay mayoralty candidate Cliff Cordova; and Pacito Libron, an alleged hitman associated with Teves.

Remulla said the courts handling these murder cases have already issued arrest warrants against Teves.

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