The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported on Saturday that the Philippines is asking the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice for the arrest of former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr.
The red notice will inform Timor-Leste about the issued arrest warrant against the fugitive ex-congressman, as his case is still pending in the country.
“Ang Pilipinas nanghingi sa Interpol ng Red Notice. Ano itong Red Notice na ito? Para ho bigyan ng notisiya iyong isang member state para i-implement ang warrant of arrest na inisyu ng Pilipinas,” DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said.
(The Philippines ask the Interpol for a Red Notice. What does the Red Notice mean? It's there to notify a member of the state to implement the arrest warrant issued by the Philippines)
DOJ officials said that Teves could not be deported back to the Philippines due to his pending case in Timor-Leste.
The four principles that govern the Interpol's decision to bring a fugitive back to the country were identified by Vasquez as; independence and sovereignty of each member state, neutrality, cooperation, and respect for human rights.
Vasquez added that the same principles will be applied with Apollo Quiboloy, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader, who is believed to be in hiding at the Davao region.
