Timor-Leste court rejects PH request for Teves extradition - DOJ

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Timor-Leste court has rejected the request of the Philippines to extradite Arnie Teves, an expelled lawmaker facing murder charges, a reversal of two previous favorable decisions.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, March 20, said it was “informed of an adverse ruling” on the case, adding it has yet to receive an official copy of the decision.

“The DOJ is both surprised and deeply disappointed by this development,” the agency said in its statement.

The Timor-Leste Court of Appeal decided in favor of the government in June. Teves filed an appeal based on procedural grounds, but the court upheld its decision in December. The former lawmaker then appealed for the second time.

“This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification regarding the basis of this decision,” the DOJ said, reiterating its “firm request” for cooperation from the Southeast Asian neighbor.

The DOJ also said it will “explore and exhaust” all legal remedies available to the government, as Teves “must be brought home to face the full force of the law.”

“Allowing him to evade justice would be the height of injustice, not only to the victims and their families but to the integrity of the rule of law,” the agency added.

Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of Teves, hailed the ruling, claiming it “a triumph of the rule of law, and an indictment of the kind of government we currently have: a government who ignores the Constitution and the laws of the Republic in the brazen desire to silence political dissent and destroy the legitimate political opposition.”

Topacio also shared to the media a copy of the decision, which was translated in English.

Teves is facing multiple murder charges over the killing of former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others. The government tagged him as a terrorist.