Timor Leste's Court of Appeals has granted the Philippines' extradition request against former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Thursday, June 27.
In a statement, DOJ Asec. Mico Clavano said without a doubt that the country "won" the motive to expel Teves from Timor-Leste to face his charges in the Philippines.
“The Department of Justice confirms the grant of the extradition request made by the Philippine government. The information was relayed to us by the Attorney-General of Timor-Leste. We have won,” said Clavano.
“We look forward to the arrival of Mr. Teves so that he may finally face the charges against him in our local courts,” he added.
Teves was alleged to be the brain behind March 4, 2023's assassination of Roel Degamo, who was also a former Congressman of Negros Oriental.
Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.
In September 2023, Teves was seen in Timor-Leste, where he sought asylum but was denied.
He was nabbed while playing golf in March.
Early this month, Teves was freed from Becora Prison but was later rearrested and taken to the Timor-Leste National Police.
The suspended lawyer and 12 others were also designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.
