The Timor-Leste Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected the extradition request made by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to send former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. back to the Philippines to face multiple murder charges.
In response, the DOJ expressed disappointment with the ruling, noting that Timor-Leste had earlier approved the extradition request for Teves in both June and December of the previous year, decisions which were later appealed by Teves' camp.
"The Department of Justice (DOJ) is surprised and disappointed by the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal’s adverse ruling on the extradition of Mr. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., reversing its previous decisions in favor of extradition," the DOJ said in a statement.
"The DOJ is seeking clarification on this unexpected shift and reaffirms its commitment to bringing Mr. Teves, who faces serious charges, back to the Philippines to face justice," the agency added.
Furthermore, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo voiced her disbelief over the case’s direction, suggesting that Teves' camp might have bribed officials to influence the ruling in their favor in Timor-Leste.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH, Degamo disclosed that they had received information indicating that Teves is receiving help from the child of a high-ranking official in Timor-Leste, who is reportedly also a partner in his gambling business.
"Pwede niyo kaming tulungang i-confirm pero may mga sabi-sabi na he is now closely working with someone in Timor-Leste na anak ng very high-ranking official," said Degamo.
The DOJ is poised to seek clarification on the court's decision, and is scheduled to receive an official copy of the ruling.
Meanwhile, Teves' camp, through Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, responded by calling the decision a "triumph of the rule of law."
The DOJ stressed that it will examine all legal avenues available to the government to ensure Teves is returned to the country to face the charges and be held accountable.
Teves stands accused of murder for the alleged killing of Governor Roel Degamo and others in March 2023. He has been labeled a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council in connection with the killings in Negros Oriental.
