Timor-Leste grants Teves’ appeal to block PH extradition
Arnolfo Teves Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The government of Timor-Leste has approved the appeal of former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to block the Philippine government’s request to extradite him.
“In view of the foregoing, the Plenary of Judges of the Court of Appeal decided, unanimously, to grant the appeal and, consequently … to refuse the request for the extradition of Arnolfo Alipit Teves Junior, revoking the appealed decision,” a copy of the Court of Appeal of Timor-Leste’s decision obtained by INQUIRER.net read.
This comes after the Philippine government’s request to extradite Teves was granted for a second time, which Teves again appealed.
Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ counsel, tagged the decision as a “triumph of the rule of law.”
He tagged the indictment as a display of the government ignoring the Constitution and the laws of the country “in the brazen desire to silence political dissent and destroy the legitimate political opposition.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ), in a separate statement expressed surprise and disappointment over the Timor-Leste court’s ruling.
“It is peculiar that after having twice decided in favor of extradition—first in June 2024 and again in December 2024—the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal has now reversed its stance, taking a complete 180-degree turn to reject the Philippines’ extradition request. This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification regarding the basis of this decision,” DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a statement.
He reiterated the Philippine government’s request for Timor-Leste to cooperate with the country in making Teves face his charges in the country.
“Allowing him to evade justice would be the height of injustice, not only to the victims and their families but to the integrity of the rule of law,” he said.
He then assured the public that the government will “explore and exhaust” all legal remedies to bring Teves home.
Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder under the Revised Penal Code.
He is wanted for the killing of Governor Roel Degamo.
