DOJ Speaks on Arnie Teves Extradition Case in Timor-Leste
ARNIE TEVES – The Department of Justice said that the extradition case of the former Negros Oriental congressman will undergo new proceedings.
Following the arrest of high=profile personalities Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, Department of Interior and Local Government or DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos previously said that the PH officials is looking forward to bring home Teves.
Teves is the alleged mastermind behind the death of the late former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. He was killed at his residence in Pamplona. Aside from the late former Governor, several individuals died from the attack lodged by several men inside the residence of the Degamos.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo called for the government to give justice to the death of her husband and the individuals who died in the attack. Even before he was accused as the alleged mastermind behind the governor’s death, then Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves was already in abroad.
The Degamos and the Teves are strong political rivals in Negros Oriental. The late former governor Roel Degamo defeated Pryde Henry Teves, the brother of the former Negros Oriental Congressman, in the gubernatorial race.
Arnie Teves flew to Timor Leste where the Department of Justice filed an extradition case to get his custody. Previously, it was reported that Teves lost the extradition case filed against him in Timor Leste to the DOJ. It boosted the confidence of the PH government that he will be returned to the Philippines soon to face the charges against him.
However, the camp of Teves filed an appeal to the Timor Leste court for the reversal of the extradition ruling. According to his lawyer, Attorney Ferdinand Topacio, it may take the Court a few weeks to decide.
Recently, the DOJ gave an update on the case of former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnie Teves. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the justice department said that the extradition case will “undergo new proceedings”.
According to the DOJ, the extradition case will have to undergo another trial before the Court of Appeals in Timor Leste. Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said that the “same exact evidence is to be presented but this time before 3 judges”.
Based on the report, the DOJ said that the extradition case against Arnie Teves undergoing a new proceedings is due to the procedural objections made by the camp of the former Negros Oriental congressman.
Meanwhile, despite the extradition case being required to undergo new proceedings, the Department of Justice is confident that the Court will arrive at the same decision. The DOJ also remains hopeful that Teves will soon be brought back to the Philippines.
“No amount of underhanded tactics will derail our determination to get this fugitive home,” Remulla said.