THE Department of Justice yesterday said former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was released from house arrest in Timor-Leste where he is seeking political asylum but his movements remain restricted.
Teves’ lead counsel Ferdinand Topacio on Saturday said Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals has ordered the release of the fugitive former lawmaker from house arrest, because of “defects” in Manila’s extradition request. He also said his client was not “rearrested” as the DOJ previously said, but merely taken into judicial custody to ensure his attendance in extradition hearings.
Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano said the DOJ was informed by the Timorese Central Authority that Teves’ house arrest has officially concluded as of 6 p.m. of June 21.
Clavano explained that under Timorese laws, a fugitive like Teves could be detained only for a maximum of 90 days.
Teves was arrested last March in Dili, Timor-Leste while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar. His apprehension came three weeks after the International Criminal Police Organization placed him on its red notice system and his passport was cancelled by the Manila City regional trial court.
“We confirm the release of Teves from house arrest. However, he will strictly be not allowed to leave Timor-Leste until a final ruling on his extradition has been reached,” Clavano said.
However, he said the release of the former lawmaker is subject to close monitoring, adding that Timor-Leste authorities have also assured the DOJ that its air, land and sea borders are fully secured to ensure Teves would not get out of Dili.
“We are working closely with our international counterparts in Timor-Leste to ensure that the Philippine government may attain justice for the alleged victims of Teves crying for justice despite the evasive attitude of fugitive/terrorist designated and former lawmaker,” Clavano said.
“The obvious goal of the other camp is to leave Timor-Leste and rejoin his family in another country. This is why all boarders have been notified that Teves is a flight risk. However, the Timor-Leste government assures us that he will not leave,” Clavano added.
Clavano earlier said Timor-Leste’s appellate court may render a decision on Manila’s request for the return of Teves before the end of this month.
Teves was tagged as the mastermind in the March 2023 attack that killed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, and designated a terrorist in August last year. He is also facing murder charges in connection with several killings in the province in 2019, including the murder of a former provincial board member.
Teves denied the accusations but refused to return to the country.
