Teves freed, rearrested in Timor-Leste

Extradition process continues

- DAPHNE GALVEZ

Expel led lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., tagged as the mastermind of the March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, was released from detention in Timor-Leste but later rearrested.

According to his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Teves – detained pending his trial for extradition – was released because the Philippine government’s request for his extradition “was made out of time and in a manner that is not sanctioned by practice and customary international law.”

“In other words, our government screwed up. Thus, his imprisonment was declared illegal,” Topacio said.

But the Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified last night that Teves was rearrested and taken into custody by the Polícia Nacional of Timor-Leste at the Becora Prison in Dili to continue to stand trial for extradition.

Topacio said judicial proceedings in relation to Teves’ stay in Timor-Leste begin today.

Teves will attend the proceedings as well as witnesses, including former human rights commissioner Wilhelm Soriano, who will be presented as an expert in human rights.

Soriano will testify on human rights violations in the Philippines “that should bar extradition,” Topacio revealed.