Teves’ deportation process ongoing – Remulla
DILI SCUFFLE Expelled Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. (in white shirt) is seen apparently resisting arrest at his house in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Tuesday night. (VIDEO SCREENGRAB FROM AXL TEVES FB PAGE)
MANILA, Philippines — Expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.’s deportation process is already ongoing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday.
“Process is ongoing. We cannot second guess the system, the legal system of Timor Leste, but hopefully, this time, the executive responsibility for deportation will prevail,” Remulla said in a chance interview.
Teves is facing multiple counts of murder and frustrated murder under the Revised Penal Code for the killing of then Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several others in 2023.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier announced that it has already mobilized a team to facilitate Teves’ return to the Philippines.
READ: Teves deportation: DOJ mobilizes team to bring him back from Timor-Leste
The government of Timor Leste on Wednesday also committed to deporting the expelled lawmaker, seeing him as a threat to national security and interests.
“We are waiting for things to happen, to unravel, within the next two to three hours,” Remulla added.
Remulla disputes supposed granting of habeas corpus writ
Meanwhile, Remulla disputed the supposed granting of the petition for habeas corpus lodged by Teves’ counsel in Timor-Leste.
“No there’s no granting. Fake news,” said Remulla.
This is after Teves’ camp claimed that their petition for habeas corpus which would free Teves from being detained was already granted on Wednesday evening.
Asked if the recently held Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Malaysia was a factor in Teves’ arrest by East Timor authorities, Remulla responded that he cannot “venture any guess” as he was not in the summit.
Teves was arrested by Timorese immigration authorities on Tuesday evening at his house in Dili, Timor-Leste.
READ: Arnolfo Teves rearrested in Timor Leste; son cries ‘kidnap’
