DOJ Gives Update on Arnie Teves Extradition Case in Timor Leste
ARNIE TEVES – The Department of Justice (DOJ) admitted that the extradition case against the former Congressman in Timor Leste will have to undergo a new trial.
Two (2) high-profile individuals with arrest orders are now in the hands of the Philippine authorities. Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo was arrested by the Indonesian authorities and turned over to PH officials. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was also arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Following the arrest of Guo and Quiboloy, the Philippine government expressed eagerness to also bring home former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves. He is the alleged mastermind behind the death of the late former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Degamo was killed at his house in Pamplona where his wife, Janice, is mayor. Initially unidentified men barged in the residence of the Degamos to lodge their motive. Several other individuals were left dead and injured by the incident.
Then, when he was tagged as the alleged mastermind behind Degamo’s death, former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves was already in abroad. He denied the allegations against him.
It is more than a year now since the death of the late former Negros Oriental Governor. The Department of Justice filed an extradition case in Timor Leste in the pursuit to get the custody of Arnie Teves and bring him back to the Philippines to face the charges against him.
Previously, the DOJ announced its win on the extradition case versus Teves. The Philippine authorities are looking forward to bring him back to the country following the victory.
However, the camp of Teves appealed for the reversal of the decision of Timor Leste Court’s ruling on the extradition case. The Prosecutor-General of Timor Leste was expected to respond to the appeal within 30 days.
Recently, the DOJ gave an update on the extradition case against Arnie Teves in Timor Leste. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said that the extradition case will have to undergo a new trial.
“Same exact evidence is to be presented but this time before 3 judges,” Clavano said.
According to DOJ, the new proceedings is due to the appeal made by the camp of Teves in Timor Leste. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed his confidence that they will be able to get the custody of the former Negros Oriental Congressman.
“No amount of underhanded tactics will derail our determination to get this fugitive home,” Remulla said.