NBI eyes swift Teves’ deportation from Timor-Leste
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is seeking to expedite the deportation proceedings for expelled Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is wanted in the Philippines for murder charges.
Representatives from the NBI traveled to Timor-Leste, where they met with President Jose Ramos-Horta to discuss the extradition of Teves.
In a statement, the NBI said Horta expressed his “earnest desire” to immediately resolve Teves’s case, emphasizing the importance of promptly bringing him back to the Philippines.
The NBI said deportation proceedings in Timor-Leste may take around 40 days, but it is hoping for expedited proceedings considering the severity of the criminal charges he faces back home.
NBI Director Medardo de Lemos expressed gratitude to Horta for his dedication to upholding the rule of law, highlighting the significance of international cooperation.
“The NBI remains committed to fostering strong partnerships with its international counterparts and will continue to work closely with the authorities in Timor-Leste to monitor the extradition process of Teves, who is a fugitive and also considered an undocumented alien in Timor-Leste following the cancellation of his Philippine passport by the Department of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
Teves, who was placed on the red notice of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in February, was arrested in Dili City on Thursday, March 21, while playing golf.
He is wanted for multiple murders, including the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo in March 2023 and several others in 2019.
Teves has repeatedly denied accusations linking him to the murder incidents.
Teves was designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council, and his passport was cancelled on the orders of the Department of Justice.
In a statement, Teves’ legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio said they are exploring several legal options in Timor-Leste, including political asylum.
“Trial will resume on Monday. The Timor-Leste lawyers will then submit arguments in support of other options for Teves, including political asylum,” Topacio said Saturday.
“The Timor-Leste legal team will meet tomorrow to explore other legal moves, including bringing Teves’ persecution to the United Nations Human Rights Council,” he added.
Teves applied for political asylum in Timor-Leste in May, but it was denied.
The NBI remains committed to fostering strong partnerships with its international counterparts and will continue to work closely with the authorities in Timor-Leste.
MEDARDO DE LEMOS NBI Director