Timor-Leste secures borders in case Teves attempts to flee -- DOJ
Timor-Leste has secured its borders against any attempt of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. to flee the country's capital City of Dali where he was arrested, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Sunday, June 23.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said in a statement that “the Timor- Leste government assures us that he will not leave.”
Clavano said the the Timor-Leste government made the move after Teves was released from house arrest last Friday, June 21.
“The obvious goal of the other camp is to leave Timor Leste and rejoin his family in another country,” he said. “This is why all boarders have been notified that Teves is a flight risk,” he added.
The Philippine government has sought the extradition of Teves and the case is currently pending resolution by the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste.
Clavano said that pending resolution of the extradition case, Teves will not be allowed to leave Timor-Leste.
He said the Philippine government has been “working closely with our international counterparts in Timor-Leste to ensure that the Philippine government may attain justice for the alleged victims of Teves crying for justice despite the evasive attitude of fugitive/terrorist designated and former lawmaker.”
Teves, who has been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) last year, is facing various charges including the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that resulted in the deaths of provincial governor Roel Degamo and nine other persons.
The Manila regional trial court (RTC) had issued an arrest order against Teves whose Philippine passport had been cancelled.