Teves still in Timor Leste, awaiting outcome of extradition appeal: lawyer

MANILA — Former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. is still in Timor-Leste, pending the decision of Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals regarding the extradition request of the Philippine Government. 

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, one of Teves’ legal counsels, said they are still awaiting the outcome of their appeal after the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals granted the Department of Justice’s request to extradite Teves. 

“In general, nasa Dili (Timor-Leste) pa po siya. We are awaiting the outcome of our appeal from the order or decision of the Tribunal de Recurso allowing extradition kasi appealable pa po ‘yan doon sa plenary ng Court of Appeals o Tribunal de Recurso ng Republic of Timor Leste,” Topacio stated in a press conference Saturday, February 8.  

Teves is facing multiple murder raps in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and several others in 2023.

The Philippine government has requested his extradition.

In December, the Department of Justice said it is hopeful that the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal will uphold its second decision to extradite Teves.