Timor-Leste court rejects Teves extradition appeal

MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste has rejected the plea of expelled Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnulfo Teves Jr. to reverse its decision granting the Philippine government’s request for his extradition, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“We wish to inform the public that this motion has been denied,” the DOJ said in a statement yesterday.

The DOJ has yet to give details on the Timor-Leste court’s decision, but said it recognizes its importance and is committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla hailed the court’s denial of Teves’ motion, saying it is “a significant step forward” in the quest for justice.

For his part, Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio belied the DOJ’s announcement, saying it is “fake news.”

He said it was the stay order that was denied, not the appeal.

The Philippine government sought the extradition of Teves for him to face multiple murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder charges in Manila for the March 4, 2023 assassination of then Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, along with nine others.

Aside from Degamo’s murder, Teves and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Teves, who has been out of the country since 2023, was designated a “terrorist” last year after he was expelled from the House of Representatives for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.