The Department of Justice (DOJ) is confident that fugitive Arnolfo Teves, Jr. will return to the Philippines in July, after winning the extradition case against Teves in Timor-Leste.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano revealed on Saturday, June 29, the steps taken to secure victory in the extradition case filed within the 40-day deadline.
“‘Yung gustong ipahiwatig nung kabilang kampo na tayo raw dito sa Pilipinas ay may death penalty. Pangalawa po ‘yung human rights conditions ay masama raw kaya hindi raw siya makasigurado na hindi siya papatayin dito sa Pilipinas,” Clavano said.
“Nag-counter tayo dun. Prinesent po natin mga testigo po at doon pa lang satisfied na po ng Court of Appeals sa Timor-Leste. On that basis, they rendered this decision approved,” he added.
Teves’ camp has 30 days to file their motion for reconsideration.
Then, the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste will review the motion (MR) and issue a subsequent decision on the matter.
“We are very confident na iga-grant pa rin sa atin even after the MR dahil malamang ipaparehas lang nila ‘yung kanilang arguments, which we can easily controvert and defend,” Clavano said.
Teves is the prime suspect in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and five others in March 2023.
Political asylum
Clavano mentioned that Teves seeking political asylum in Timor-Leste would not impact the case.
They also had information that his previous request had already been denied.
“Hindi ko po alam kung ano ‘yung ibig sabihin ng kabilang kampo na ‘yun pa rin po ang magiging recourse nila. Again, further strengthened by the decision to extradite na hindi talaga siya pagbibigyan doon sa kanyang request for asylum,” Clavano said.
“We can see that a crime really has been committed and the evidence on hand is legitimate. Meron po talaga tayong kaso,” he added.
Teves on PH in July
The court’s decision on the motion is expected to be released in July, and the DOJ has created a multifaceted team that will retrieve Teves in Timor-Leste and return him to the Philippines.
The team is composed of law enforcement, legal personnel, medical staff, and immigration officers who will ensure his safe return.
“The facility [where] he will be detained here in the Philippines is also ready and as soon as possible we will have to present him to court to return the warrant of arrest. After that, the court proceedings will finally run and continue,” Clavano said.
Clavano said that the extradition expenses would be significant, so they will assess whether it will also go into legal costs.
At present, Teves’ movement is still restricted and is being closely monitored after he was recently released from house arrest in Timor-Leste. (ABS-CBN News)