Detention of Negros Oriental congressman extended in East Timor
The detention of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. in East Timor has been extended by a local court for 15 days following a trial on March 23, according to Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.
“Contrary to the claim of Assistant Justice Secretary Mico Clavano, neither deportation nor extradition is on the table at this point in the proceedings,” Topacio said in a statement released Saturday night.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had earlier stated that Teves would be returned to the Philippines either through extradition or deportation, whichever option is the most “feasible, quick and effective.”
Representatives of the National Bureau of Investigation, including NBI Director Medardo Lemos, left Timor-Leste after learning that they are unable to bring Teves back until after the trial.
Topacio explained that Teves’ legal team in East Timor will explore other legal moves, including bringing the case to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
Topacio criticized the Marcos administration for attempting to harass and humiliate Teves by taking his picture in detention. He mentioned that two Philippine government representatives were caught trying to smuggle a phone during their visit to Teves.
Only Teves’ lawyers, his close Filipino friends pre-screened by authorities of East Timor, and others with his consent are allowed to visit him.
The NBI revealed that a team from the agency is scheduled to fly to East Timor on March 27 for the transfer of Teves to Philippine authorities. The DOJ has not issued a statement on the matter.
Teves was arrested on March 21 in East Timor while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili. He faces murder charges over the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo on March 4, 2023, along with several other charges related to killings in 2019.
Considered a fugitive and undocumented alien in East Timor after his Philippine passport was canceled by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Teves has been designated a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council due to alleged activities in Negros Oriental.
Following his involvement in the Degamo assassination, Teves went into hiding, leading the House of Representatives to expel him in August last year. He previously sought political asylum in East Timor but was denied in May 2023.
Interpol has issued an international Red Notice for Teves’ provisional detention pending turnover to the state seeking his arrest.
