THE Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday expressed disappointment over the decision of a Timor-Leste court rejecting the Philippines’ request to extradite former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to face the multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of a governor and nine others in 2023.
Teves is also facing additional murder charges in connection with the 2019 killing of three persons in Negros Oriental, including a former board member. He has been tagged a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council and his passport cancelled by a Manila court.
“We are disappointed that Timor-Leste has not shown enough trust in the delivery of justice in the Philippines, a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation which it seeks to join, and among the very first ASEAN member states to convey support for its aspiration to join the association,” the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA hinted Manila’s support for Timor-Leste’s bid to join ASEAN also rests on it resolving the Teves’ issue.
“While its application is dependent on its compliance with the roadmap for full membership in ASEAN and its accession to the ASEAN Charter, it should also be able to demonstrate that it shares the spirit of trust and cooperation that ASEAN member states accord one another, not only within the framework of ASEAN, but also in their bilateral relations,” the DFA added.
On Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Timor-Leste’s bid to join the regional bloc could be affected after its appellate court refused Manila’s request to extradite Teves.
“It is not going to be pleasant for Timor-Leste because they’re applying to be in the Asean, and we are one of the founding fathers of the Asean,” Remulla told reporters.
The Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand founded the ASEAN in 1967. Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia joined later.
Timor-Leste has been a candidate member with observer status to the regional bloc since 2022.
The March 20 decision by Timor-Leste’s appellate court is a complete turnaround from its December 2024 ruling granting Manila’s request.
The DOJ has said it was surprised and deeply disappointed by the ruling denying its extradition request. It also said allowing Teves to evade justice would be the height of injustice, not only to the victims and their families but to the integrity of the rule of law.
“We reiterate our firm request for cooperation in this matter. Mr. Teves is facing serious charges, including multiple counts of murder, and must be brought home to face the full force of the law,” it said.
The DOJ said it will not stop exploring legal measures to bring Teves back to Manila for him to face the charges.
Prior to the ruling, Remulla expressed exasperation with what he described as the seemingly endless appeals process in the extradition of Teves.
Teves denied all the criminal allegations but he refused to return to the country, saying he feared for his safety and that of his family.
