Timorese court frees Teves from house arrest, says lawyer Topacio

Former Rep. Arnoldo Teves and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio are seen in this file photo. His lawyer said Teves was released from house arrest in Timor Leste due to defects in the extradition request of the Philippine government. (Photo from Atty. Ferdinand Topacio)

MANILA, Philippines — Former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. was released from house arrest in Timor-Leste, his legal counsel said on Saturday.

According to lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ release came with conditions from Timorese authorities.

READ: Teves now under house arrest in Timor Leste

“We confirm the published reports appearing on Timor Leste (TL) media – which have reached our country – to the effect that Rep. Arnolfo Teves has been ordered released from house arrest by the tribunal conducting extradition proceedings relative to the request made by the Philippine government,” Topacio said in a message to reporters.

Some of the conditions for the release included that Teves should regularly report to a court officer and a commitment not to leave the country pending his extradition case.

“Otherwise, he has been restored to full liberty in accordance with the order of the TL high court’s voiding of the preventing detention order due to defects in the extradition request,” Topacio added.

On June 13, Teves was placed under house arrest, according to Topacio and the Department of Justice.

READ: Teves extradition hearings over; ruling out by end-June

Teves was tagged as a suspect in the killing of former Negros Oriental mayor Roel Degamo in March 2023.

He was then arrested by Timorese authorities in March 2024.

As of this writing, Inquirer.net has approached the DOJ for comment but has yet to receive a reply.