The legal team of former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has filed a habeas corpus petition following his re-arrest in Timor-Leste.
In an online briefing, Teves’ Philippine-based legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, explained that if the petition is granted, Teves must be brought to court, where authorities will be required to justify his arrest and, if applicable, the basis for any planned deportation.
Atty. Topacio emphasized that the extradition request previously filed by the Philippine government was already dismissed as early as March.
He outlined three main grounds for opposing Teves’ deportation: the alleged threat to his life, the risk of torture or inhumane treatment, and the potential for unjust legal proceedings in the Philippines.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Topacio asserted that their team is fully prepared to defend Teves if he is repatriated.
He also claimed that the government’s case is weak, especially after all witnesses reportedly withdrew their testimonies.
Teves is accused of being the mastermind behind the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in the Pamplona massacre on March 4, 2023.
He also faces murder charges related to the killings of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.
Additionally, the Anti-Terrorism Council has designated Teves as a terrorist due to a series of killings and harassment incidents in the province.