MANILA PHILIPPINES – The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the Attorney-General of Timor-Leste has granted the Philippine government’s request the extratdition of Arnie Teves to the country.
The DOJ is now hoping for the immediate repatriation of Teves to face the complaints filed against him in Philippine Court.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla thanked Timor Leste for such a step and nowlooking forward to the day when the former lawmaker will be brought to court to face his charges.
“The Department of Justice confirms the grant of the extradition request made by the Philippine government. The information was relayed to us by the Attorney-General of Timor-Leste. We have won,” according to the DOJ in a statement.
Teves was initially charged with murder charges in Negros Oriental, including the death of former Governor Roel Degamo and nine other individuals.
According to Remulla, this is not only a success for the DOJ but for the entire Philippines and for every Filipino who believes that criminal justice in the country is working.
Finally, he said Teves will appear in court, and the delayed hearing on his cases will begin.
Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder in the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 in connection with the shootings on March 4, 2023, in Pamplona, Negros Oriental.
Degamo’s wife Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, , was happy with the news that Teves would be returned to the Philippines.
“My fight for justice has been a truly harrowing experience, with constant threats on my life by members of the Teves Terrorist Group, horrific online attacks from TTG trolls, and continual sleepless nights grieving the memory of Roel,” according to her Facebook post.
August last year, when the Anti-Terrorism Council declared Teves and his brother, former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves, as terrorists because of their alleged involvement in several incidents of killing and harassment in the province in the past years while they were still in public office.