Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla said yesterday the government is optimistic and preparing for the repatriation of fugitive former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves, Jr.

“We are preparing for his delivery and return to the Philippines,” Remulla told reporters on the status of the case.

He underscored the importance of transnational cooperation between member states of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in going after fugitives, like in the case of Teves who was captured in Timor-Leste in March.

“Ang nangyari dito kay Congressman Teves, through Interpol, he was held in Timor-Leste. So ano ang ibig sabihin nyan, ginamit ang relasyon natin sa Interpol na hulihin si congressman Teves,” he said.

“As members of the Interpol we have to abide by the requests, but only if certain conditions are met: Is the crime involved a crime in the Philippines? Will our sovereignty be affected?” Remulla 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.

On June 27, the DOJ said the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste granted the Philippines’ request for Teves’ extradition.

Teves has filed an appeal on the ruling.

The DOJ earlier said Philippine law enforcement agencies have a team ready to fly to Timor-Leste to bring Teves back to Manila once the appeal has been resolved. (PNA)