MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed optimism on Tuesday (11 June 2024) regarding the extradition of former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., following his re-arrest in Timor Leste.

“The department is confident that the extradition proceedings will be successful. Additionally, there is still a possibility of deportation, depending on the actions taken by the Timor Leste government in coordination with the Philippines,” stated DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV in a news release.

Clavano refuted the claims made by Teves’ counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, that the former lawmaker had been provisionally released from Becora Prison in Dili, Timor Leste, pending his extradition trial. According to Topacio, the Timor Leste Court had allegedly declared Teves’ imprisonment illegal.

Clavano dismissed these claims as “purely misleading, highly irresponsible, and an insult to both Timor Leste and the Philippines.”

He clarified that Teves’ release and subsequent re-arrest, as well as his transfer to the Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), are part of the judicial process and should not be seen as obstacles to his extradition.

“The DOJ has submitted all required documents in a timely and compliant manner with Timor Leste’s legal framework,” Clavano emphasized.

He added that Topacio, while advocating for his client, must act in a manner befitting his role as an officer of the court, respecting its dignity and integrity.

Teves is currently in the custody of the PNTL and will continue to face trial for his anticipated extradition.

Clavano underscored that the Philippines, as the requesting party, must respect and participate in the legal proceedings in Timor Leste.

“We appreciate the steps currently being taken by the Timor Leste government to facilitate his removal from their territory, and we eagerly anticipate his return to the Philippines to face multiple murder charges,” he added.

Teves is facing charges of 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51, in connection with the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

(El Amigo/mnm)