Fromer Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.*
The Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to appeal the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals’ decision denying the extradition of former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., Malacañang said on Friday, March 21.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government was “surprised” at the Timor-Leste court’s “adverse ruling” overturning its December 2024 decision approving Teves’ extradition.
“The administration, especially the DOJ, was somewhat surprised at this,” Castro said in a press briefing.
She said the DOJ had provided all the necessary evidence and records to support the extradition request, including proof that the Philippines has no active death penalty in place.
Castro, citing DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, confirmed that the justice department would file an appeal before Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals to challenge the decision.
“According to the DOJ… they will appeal, they will file an appeal with the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals,” she said.
The Timor-Leste court’s decision cited concerns over potential risks of torture or inhumane treatment, as prohibited under their Constitution, leading to the denial of the extradition request.
Castro emphasized that such practices are also prohibited under Philippine law.
“Even in our Constitution, that is prohibited,” she said.
She said the administration remains committed to seeking justice for the alleged victims despite the setback in the former lawmaker’s extradition case.
“The administration will do its best to continue to fight for justice for the alleged victims”, she said.
In a statement Thursday, the DOJ said it is “seeking clarification on this unexpected shift” and reaffirmed its commitment to bringing Teves back to the Philippines to face justice.
“The government will explore all legal options to ensure accountability and uphold international cooperation in this matter. Updates will follow once the official decision is received,” it added.
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 over the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, that led to the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and several others.
On Dec. 2, 2024, the Timorese court granted the Philippine government’s extradition request for the second time, noting that the Philippine legal system is functional and safeguards the rights of the accused.*PNA
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of Roel Degamo, said in a Facebook post that the Timor Leste court’s reversal of its decision on Teves is shocking and confusing.
However, she said she believes that the Philippine government will do everything in its power to successfully bring Teves back to the Philippines so he can face the multiple murder and frustrated murder charges against him and his associates.*