Timor-Leste grants extradition request vs Teves for 2nd time

MANILA, Philippines — The Timor-Leste government has granted for the second time the Philippine government’s request to extradite Negros expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday.

According to the DOJ in a statement, the request was granted after a second round of extradition hearings, which resulted from the procedural objections made by Teves’ camp.

“Fortunately, the judicial system of Timor-Leste Court has been consistent with the tenets of fair play and justice considering the positive development in this case,” the DOJ said in a statement.

READ: DOJ: Teves to be extradited soon

“We expected no less other than a second grant of extradition by Timor-Leste, which only affirms the stance of the PH government that there is merit in the request and that they made the right decision the first time around,” it also said.

The DOJ then commended Timor-Leste’s legal process for displaying the efficiency of their justice system.

“This is a resounding victory for the Filipino people, a testament of our present government’s unyielding commitment to attain real-time Justice at all costs,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said in the same statement.

Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder under the Revised Penalty Code.

He is wanted for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo, or what is known as the Pamplona Massacre.

READ: Teves to return to PH ‘very soon’ – Remulla