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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH ready to get ex-Rep Arnie Teves from Timor-Leste –DOJ

PH ready to get ex-Rep Arnie Teves from Timor-Leste –DOJ

Published May 28, 2025 11:04 am

The government is prepared to bring back expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. to the Philippines after his arrest in Timor-Leste, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday, May 28.

“We are ready to arrange the transfer of custody by the most expeditious means once we are clarified on this issue,” the DOJ said in a statement.

“While we welcome the recent pronouncements from Timor-Leste indicating a renewed position that Mr. Teves should not remain in their territory, we await their action -- whether he would simply be deported for being an undocumented foreigner or extradited forthwith pursuant to our pending application,” it said.

However, the DOJ said “the Philippine government has not been furnished with any legal or official document on the matter.”

It recalled that the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals had previously granted the Philippine government’s extradition request on Teves.

But it lamented “that decision was unexpectedly reversed, stalling the process.”

The DOJ also said:  

“We remain ready and committed to bring Mr. Teves to justice in accordance with the rule of law and the principles of international cooperation.

“We continue to work closely with the appropriate authorities in Timor-Leste and to act the moment a formal process is initiated.”

Teves, who has been designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), is facing multiple charges including the March 4, 2023 shooting in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that resulted in the deaths of Gov. Roel Degamo and nine other persons.

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51 issued in 2024 a warrant for his arrest in connection with the Pamplona shootings.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has also cancelled the passport of Teves upon the order of the RTC. The cancellation of the passport  makes the former legislator an undocumented alien in Timor-Leste.

Prior to the Pamplona incident, Teves left for the United States and has not returned since then.

Due to his prolonged and unauthorized absences, the House of Representatives expelled Teves as a legislator.

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

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