Timor-Leste Court Approves Extradition of Former Negros Oriental Cong. Arnie Teves to Philippines
ARNIE TEVES – The Timor-Leste Court has once again granted the extradition of the former Negros Oriental Congressman to the Philippines.
It has been more than a year now since the tragic attack that left the then-Governor of Negros Oriental, Roel Degamo, dead happened. Last March 4, 2023, then-identified men barged in the house of the Governor in Pamplona and launched their motives which left many people injured and dead.
Gov. Degamo was rushed to the hospital but he did not survive the wounds he obtained from the incident. Several other individuals died from the attack. Even people who were at the residence of the Degamos to assistance were dragged into the incident.
Then-Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnie Teves was accused as the alleged mastermind in the death of Roel Degamo. The Degamo and Teves families are strong political rivals in the province.
Teves was already in abroad when the findings of the investigation over the death of Degamo linked him in the incident. Through videos that he posted on social media, the former Negros Oriental Congressman denied being the person behind the tragic incident.
The Philippine government located Arnie Teves in Timor-Leste where an extradition case was filed in the pursuit to bring him back to the Philippines. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the other authorities worked hand-in-hand to bring him back and get him to face the charges against him.
Previously, in June, the Timor-Leste Court granted the extradition request of the Philippines over Teves. However, his camp contested the ruling thus, Teves’ etxradition case in Timor-Leste had to undergo a new trial.
The camp of the former Negros Oriental Congressman cited the number of judges involved in the decision as a ground in contesting the Timor-Leste Court’s decision. Based on a report on GMA News, the foreign Court once again requested the two (2) parties involved to present evidence in the case.
Recently, the result of the extradition case of Arnie Teves was released. Based on the report, the Timor-Leste Court granted the extradition of the former Negros Oriental Congressman to the Philippines anew.
“Fortunately, the judicial system of Timor Leste Court has been consistent with the tenets of fair play and justice considering the positive development in this case,” the PH Justice Department said in its statement.
The DOJ also expressed its commendation on the efficiency shown by the Timor-Leste justice system in the legal process. Reportedly, aside from Degamos death, Teves has to answer to the allegations linking him in the passing of three (3) other individuals. Regarding the extradition case, several Philippine officials have testified against Teves.