Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta Wants Arnie Teves Sent Home ASAP
ARNIE TEVES – Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta said he wants expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. sent home.
Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has expressed a strong desire for the immediate return of Arnolfo Teves Jr., a former Filipino lawmaker turned fugitive, to the Philippines, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The NBI delegation, led by Director Medardo de Lemos, met with the Timorese leader in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. Teves, wanted for the murder of his political rival Roel Degamo last year, was apprehended by Dili police while playing golf, following a “red notice” issued by Interpol in February.
The NBI stated that President Horta stressed the urgency of resolving the case swiftly and removing Teves from Timor-Leste. De Lemos expressed gratitude for the prompt action taken by Dili police in arresting Teves. Despite Teves’ lawyer suggesting that the process might take time as the case needs to go through the Timorese court, the NBI is working with authorities in Dili to facilitate Teves’ repatriation.
Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, mentioned that a trial was held, during which Teves’ detention was extended for up to 15 days or until the trial concluded. The NBI team, realizing they couldn’t bring Teves back before the trial, has departed from Timor-Leste.
Meanwhile, Senator Ronald dela Rosa suggested the possibility of reopening the Senate’s investigation into Degamo’s murder. Dela Rosa, who previously chaired the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs leading the probe, indicated that cooperation from Teves in the investigation would be beneficial. He emphasized the inevitability of the law catching up with Teves eventually.
In summary, Timor-Leste’s President has urged for Teves’ immediate return, the NBI is working on repatriation procedures, and there’s a discussion about reopening the Senate investigation into Degamo’s murder.
