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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Timor-Leste Court of Appeals grants ex-Rep Teves' plea against his extradition to PH

Timor-Leste Court of Appeals grants ex-Rep Teves' plea against his extradition to PH

Published Mar 20, 2025 11:03 am

The appeal of expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. against his extradition to the Philippines has been granted by the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed late Thursday afternoon, March 20.

Expelled Rep. Arnolfo A. Teves Jr..jpg

DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said the department has received information about “an adverse ruling regarding the Dec. 2, 2024 decision of the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals on the extradition case of Mr. Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves Jr.”

Clavano said “the DOJ is both surprised and deeply disappointed by this development.”

“It is peculiar that after having twice decided in favor of extradition -- first in June 2024 and again in December 2024 -- the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals has now reversed its stance, taking a complete 180-degree turn to reject the Philippines' extradition request,” he said.

“This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification regarding the basis of this decision,” he added.

But he said the DOJ has yet to receive an official copy of the Court of Appeals' ruling.

“We reiterate our firm request for cooperation in this matter,” he stressed.

With the ruling against Teves' extradition, Clavano urged all concerned authorities in Timor-Leste “to respect our legal processes and uphold international cooperation in the pursuit of justice.”

“This case is not merely a legal issue; it is a matter of justice,” he pointed out.

“The government will not stop. We will explore and exhaust all legal remedies available to us to ensure that justice is served and that Mr. Teves is held to face for crimes he is accused of,” he assured.

“Mr. Teves is facing serious charges, including multiple counts of murder, and must be brought home to face the full force of the law,” Clavano said.

“Allowing him to evade justice would be the height of injustice, not only to the victims and their families but to the integrity of the rule of law,” he warned.

Teves has been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) in 2023 and 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 to the shooting, Teves left for the United States and has not returned since then.

For his prolonged and unauthorized absences, the House of Representatives expelled him as a member.

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

Related Tags

DOJ Arnolfo Teves Jr. Timor-Leste
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