Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla on Monday assured that Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. can return safely to the country from the United States.
The assurance comes after Teves' legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio said that his client has expressed intention to return, but is reluctant to do so due to threat to his security.
"He will be secured. Hindi namin siya pababayaan," Remula told reporters in an interview.
The Negros Congresman's travel clearance abroad approved by the House of Representatives expired last March 9.
He had sought an extension of his travel but was later denied.
When asked what happens if Teves refused to come home, Justice Secretary said they will pursue extradition, a request for an individual to return for a trial.
"Kapag may kaso na, the extradition follows. Ganon lang iyan. We wait for the cases to develop. We go through the process. We have to be patient," Remula added.
Teves is being tagged as the mastermind who alleged plotted the murder of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.
Prior to these allegations, authorities filed multiple murder complaints against Teves and five other individuals in connection to the killings perpetuated in Negros Oriental back in 2019.
