Court proceedings to keep Teves in East Timor for up to 40 days

MANILA, Philippines – Expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. will remain in Timor-Leste as court proceedings on the merits of the International Crime Police (INTERPOL) red notice are still being heard.

NBI Director Medardo de Lemos told reporters that court proceedings could take a minimum of seven and a maximum of 40 days.

“Sabi nila, they will terminate the proceedings within the period of seven days minimum to 40 days maximum,” he said.

De Lemos said the Philippine government is not allowed to participate in the proceedings.

But he said they have submitted documents to justify the red notice against the former lawmaker.

An INTERPOL Red Notice is a global alert to locate and provisionally detain a person awaiting extradition or similar legal action based on a valid arrest warrant from the requesting country.

Once a red notice is issued, the INTERPOL distributes it to its more than 190 member countries.

De Lemos said the Philippine Embassy will be monitoring the court proceedings.

“Katulad din ng mga foreign counterparts natin, ‘pag may request dito sa atin, hindi sila pwede mag-participate sa enforcement operation operation. Ganoon din sa atin doon,” de Lemos said.

[ Like our foreign counterparts, when there is a request here, they are not allowed to participate in the enforcement operation. The same goes for us there.]

Still, de Lemos said they are hopeful, as East Timor President José Ramos Horta already told them that he wants the procedures to be terminated as soon as possible.

“It is a major victory for us to have located Cong. Teves and to have him arrested by the local authorities,” he added.