A Timor-Leste court granted the appeal of former lawmaker Arnulfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to reject the Philippine government’s request to extradite him, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“It is peculiar that after having twice decided in favor of extradition—first in June 2024 and again in December 2024—the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal has now reversed its stance, taking a complete 180-degree turn to reject the Philippines’ extradition request,” Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said.
“This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification regarding the basis of this decision,” he added.
The spokesperson said the DOJ was “both surprised and deeply disappointed” by the development.
The Justice Department has since reiterated its firm request for cooperation in this matter.
“Mr. Teves is facing serious charges, including multiple counts of murder, and 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,” Clavano said.
“We call on all concerned authorities to respect our legal processes and uphold international cooperation in the pursuit of justice,” he added.
The DOJ will continue to explore and exhaust all available legal remedies, saying it will provide further updates as soon as it receives the official decision and assess its next legal steps.
Teves was the alleged mastermind behind the killing of political rival Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, for which he is currently facing multiple murder charges.
His lawyer Fernando Topacio has since welcomed the development as a “triumph of the rule of law.”
“Finally, we are confident that at the proper time, after the present kakistocracy has run its course, that our client’s innocence shall be shown in an impartial and unbiased atmosphere of justice,” Topacio said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Timor-Leste court denies Philippine extradition of Teves”