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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Timor Leste's Court of Appeal denies ex-congressman Teves' plea vs extradition order

Timor Leste's Court of Appeal denies ex-congressman Teves' plea vs extradition order

Published Aug 28, 2024 12:15 pm

The Court of Appeal, the highest court of Timor-Leste, has denied the appeal of expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. who sought to reconsider the order for his extradition to the Philippines, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced early evening on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

“This decision underscores that justice proceeds irrespective of an individual's status," DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said in a statement.

Remulla issued the statement after the DOJ received an official update from the Timor-Leste Prosecutor General concerning the motion for reconsideration of Teves before the Court of Appeal of the country.

“We wish to inform the public that this motion has been denied,” the DOJ said. 

“We recognize the importance of this decision and are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process,” it added.

It also said it will provide more details concerning the ruling.

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

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

Teves eventually flew to Timor Leste where he sought to be granted asylum. His plea was denied.

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51 which is handling the cases against Teves and his co-accused had issued a warrant for his arrest on Sept. 5, 2023 and subsequently an order that directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to have his passport canceled.

Teves has also been charged in court for the deaths of three persons in 2019.

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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