Timor-Leste court rejects extradition request for former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., citing concerns over possible torture and inhumane treatment.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio announced that the court in Timor-Leste ruled in favor of their appeal, rejecting the Philippine government’s request to extradite Teves.
According to Topacio, the court found that Teves could face torture and inhumane treatment if he were to return to the Philippines.
He expressed gratitude to his fellow lawyers in Timor-Leste, namely Lisensiados Duarte, Jose Pedro Sousa, and Dr. Ximenes, for their legal support.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that they had been notified of the ruling and were awaiting an official copy of the court’s decision.
The DOJ questioned the unexpected reversal, noting that the Timor-Leste court had previously approved their extradition request twice—in June 2024 and December 2024.
The DOJ plans to seek clarification from the Timor-Leste court regarding the decision.
Justice officials assured that they would not stop until Teves is extradited and brought back to the Philippines.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges for allegedly masterminding the killing of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several others in 2023.