Teves to return to PH ‘very soon’ – Remulla

Former Rep. Arnoldo Teves with lawyer Ferdinand Topacio. His lawyer said the Teves camp is raising the harassment issue to the United Nations. (FILE) Photo from Atty. Ferdinand Topacio

MANILA, Philippines — Expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. will return to the Philippines from Timor-Leste “very soon” or likely “within the month,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday.

Remulla revealed this when asked for an update on Teves’ extradition.

Teves is the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on March 4, 2023. Nine others were also killed in the attack.

“Teves is coming home very soon. Malapit na. Expectation natin, within the month, within the month. At ano yun, Air Force airplane ang aming kinuha, may agreement kami sa Air Force para yung eroplano [na] sakyan ay nanggagaling po sa ating Air Force,” Remulla said in a chance interview.

(We are expecting it within the month via Air Force plane. We and the Air Force agreed, so an airplane from them will be used.)

READ: DOJ: Teves to be extradited soon

Last June, the Court of Appeals in Timor-Leste granted the Philippine government’s request to extradite Teves. He is currently under house arrest in Timor-Leste.

According to the Department of Justice, Timor-Leste authorities target to execute Teves’ extradition after the papal visit to their country. It will end on September 11.

Teves and several others are facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder.

He has long denied the charges. He also refused to return to the Philippines, saying he was subject to political persecution.