Expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., accused of orchestrating the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, was released from detention in Timor-Leste but subsequently rearrested.
Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, claimed the initial release was due to a mishandled extradition request by the Philippine government, though the Department of Justice (DOJ) countered that their submission was timely and compliant.
Teves now faces judicial proceedings in Timor-Leste, with human rights violations in the Philippines being presented as a potential barrier to extradition.
The DOJ remains hopeful for a successful extradition, emphasizing ongoing cooperation with Timor-Leste.
Teves, also facing multiple murder charges, was designated a “terrorist” by the Anti-Terrorism Council in August 2023 following his expulsion from the House of Representatives.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 11, 2024
