The extradition of former Congressman Arnolfo Teves, Jr. is now in the “last stages” of the process, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday, two weeks since it announced the decision of Timor-Leste to grant the Philippines’ extradition request.

“We are glad to confirm that we are already in the last stages of the extradition process,” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said in a Palace press briefing.

Andres said the camp of Teves has 30 days to file its appeal on the decision of Timor-Leste.

“We are very confident and we are on top of the situation,” he said.

Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51 in relation to the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that led to the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and several others.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, meanwhile, said the prosecution is preparing for the return of Teves to the country.

He also urged the Teves to face the charges against him and trust the country’s justice system.

“At sana po, para ho malagyan na po ng tuldok itong issue na iyan, kung may kasalanan siya o wala siyang kasalanan, magpunta na lang siya dito at nandiyan naman ho iyong wheel of justice natin na gumugulong eh. Proof positive ay ang ating Senator De Lima — wala namang nangyari!” he said. (PNA)