PNP readies security for Teves after arrest in Timor Leste
The Philippine National Police (PNP) stands ready to provide security for former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. once he is extradited to the country following his arrest in Timor Leste.
PNP Chief, Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that a coordination was made with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to determine where Teves will be detained once his extradition is implemented.
“Normally, with regards to this situation, we task the CIDG for security matters but we still have to wait for further coordination with the DOJ and DFA on how the arrangement will be done,” Acorda said on Friday, March 22.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in 2023, as well as three individuals in 2019.
Acorda said the PNP has already prepared its Custodial Center in case it is decided by the local court that Teves will be detained at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
“Usually, we use the venue of the Interpol [International Police] as mode but it depends on the result of our coordination,” Acorda noted.
Teves was arrested by Timor Leste authorities around 4 p.m. on March 21 in its capital, Dili, while golfing. The arrest was made possible through the collaboration of the Interpol-National Central Bureau (NCB) in Dili and the East Timorese Police.
Teves has been the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action, as announced by the DOJ on February 28.
According to Teves’ lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the former lawmaker will be turned over to the court for a 20-day trial in which evidence may be adduced on this behalf in order to determine what will be done relative to any request of the Philippine government.