THE Timor-Leste Court of Appeals (CA) has rejected the request of the Philippine government for the extradition of expelled Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.
In its decision, the Timor-Leste court cited the recantation of several witnesses who earlier implicated Teves in alleged murder cases, noting that they were made to sign statements “pre-prepared by police and military personnel, without the presence of a lawyer and because they and their families feared for their lives and integrity.”
It also noted the warrantless arrest and detention of Teves’ secretary, Hanna Mae Oray Sumerano, who was subjected to physical and psychological threats, including “having a gun pointed in her face, a situation that was brought to an end by the intervention of the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines.”
“Therefore, also in accordance with the provisions of the second part (…a well-founded risk of being subjected to torture, inhuman, degrading or cruel treatment) of Article 35 (3) of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, the request for extradition must be rejected,” the order reads.
“For the foregoing reasons, the Plenary of Judges of the Court of Appeal unanimously decides to grant the appeal and, consequently, on the basis of Article 5(3) of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, to refuse the request for the extradition of Arnolfo Alipit Teves Junior, revoking the contested decision,” it added.
The Philippine government through the Department of Justice is seeking the extradition of Teves, who is facing murder and frustrated murder in relation to the killing of then Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, along with several others on March 4, 2023.
The former lawmaker is also facing murder charges in relation to the killing of three individuals in the province in 2019 including Miguel Dungog, a former board member of Negros Oriental.
Teves, who was arrested in March 2024 over an Interpol red notice requested by the DOJ, was also designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council while his passport was also canceled in the orders of the justice department.
In a statement, the DOJ expressed disappointment over the Timor Leste court’s ruling.
“The decision is peculiar and legally improbable. This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification regarding the basis of this decision. We reiterate our firm request for cooperation in this matter,” the DOJ said.
The Timor Leste court earlier decided in favor of Teves’ extradition twice.
“This case is not merely a legal issue; it is a matter of justice. The Philippine government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the principles of due process. We call on all concerned authorities to respect our legal processes and uphold international cooperation in the pursuit of justice,” it added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)