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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Timor-Leste court affirms ruling to extradite Arnie Teves -- DOJ

Timor-Leste court affirms ruling to extradite Arnie Teves -- DOJ

Published Dec 5, 2024 11:16 am

The Timor-Leste court has affirmed its decision that granted the request of the Philippine government to extradite fugitive and expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo "Arnie" A. Teves Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) said late Thursday afternoon, Dec. 5.

"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,” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a statement.

The DOJ said Timor-Leste court made the ruling following the second round of extradition hearings.

“The second round of extradition hearings was a result of the procedural objections made by the camp of Teves despite bringing it up as a ‘late appeal’ after whole-heartedly and voluntarily participating in a proceeding he only refuted after receiving an ‘unfavorable decision’,” it said.

“Fortunately, the judicial system of Timor-Leste has been consistent with the tenets of fair play and justice considering the positive development in this case,” it said.

But DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said Teves can still appeal the ruling.

"He (Teves) has 30 days to file an appeal. Only after the appeal has been resolved could the determination be made on when he can be brought home," Gutierrez said.

Last August, the DOJ announced that the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste denied the motion for reconsideration of Teves concerning its ruling to have him extradited to the Philippines.

Teves, who has been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) last year, is facing multiple charges before the courts including the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental where provincial governor Roel Degamo and nine other persons were killed.

Prior the shooting, Teves left for the United States and has not returned since then.

Teves eventually flew to Timor-Leste where he sought asylum.

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51 which is handling the case already issued a warrant for Teves' arrest on Sept. 5, 2023 and subsequently a Feb. 5 order that directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to have his passport canceled.

Last March 21, local authorities of Timor-Leste arrested Teves while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in capital city of Dili pursuant to the red notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

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DOJ Arnolfo Teves Jr. TIMOR LESTE
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