By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY —Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo expressed dismay over the recent decision of the Timor-Leste Court denying the Philippines’ extradition request for former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is facing multiple murder charges.
In a post on her Facebook page, written in the local dialect, Degamo shared her surprise and questioned how the Timor-Leste Court reversed its earlier position.
“Mga igsoon ko sa Negros, kahibulungan ug makalibog ang pagbali sa korte sa Timor-Leste sa iyang desisyon nga ibalik si Arnie Teves sa Pilipinas pinaagi sa extradition. Dili nato malikayan nga makahunahuna nga ang korte sa Timor-Leste makamang sad diay,” she said.
(“To my brothers and sisters in Negros, it is surprising and confusing how the Timor-Leste Court reversed its decision. We can’t help but think that the court in Timor-Leste could also be influenced,” the mayor said.)
Despite her concerns, Degamo said she remains hopeful that the Philippine government will continue its efforts to bring Teves back to face multiple murder and frustrated murder charges.
She clarified that the extradition request was officially filed by the Philippine government.
Degamo also raised concerns that Teves’ brother, Henry, a former Bayawan City mayor who is also facing murder and multiple murder complaints filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, might attempt to flee.
She said she is worried that Henry might escape to Timor-Leste or another country if a warrant of arrest is issued against him.
Degamo said she plans to meet with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla next week to seek clarification on the court’s reversal and to discuss the government’s next legal steps.
Last year, the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal approved the Philippines’ extradition requests for Teves in June and December, but his legal team contested those rulings.
The recent decision denied the government’s third extradition request.
Teves is accused of involvement in the murder of Mayor Degamo’s husband, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, and eight civilians in Pamplona in March 2023.
Teves has denied the allegations.
