DOJ: Teves extradited soon from Timor-Leste

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday expressed hope that expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. would be extradited soon from Timor-Leste.

Though Teves has long been out of jail in Timor-Leste, Remulla said the former lawmaker remains in that country.

Remulla said Teves continues to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeals to get him extradited to the Philippines.

“The appeal process in Timor- Leste seems to be endless, but I was assured that we will get the news soon about this matter,” Remulla said.

He said he is willing to meet with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta anew to tackle the extradition of Teves.

In October 2024, Remulla and Ramos-Horta discussed the extradition of Teves.

According to Remulla, the biggest hurdle the Department of Justice encountered in bringing Teves back to the Philippines was the judicial system in Timor-Leste.

“They have a young judicial system. It is not yet mature. We don’t really know the limits. They have no Supreme Court. That’s why they’re still figuring out a way to make the justice system as sophisticated as ours,” Remulla said.

He said Ramos-Horta has expressed interest in learning the Philippines’ justice system.

Once Teves is extradited from Timor-Leste, he will face murder charges for the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo in March 2023.

In August 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Teves a terrorist, accusing him of leading an armed group responsible for orchestrating the killings and acts of harassment in Negros Oriental.