Justice Sec Remulla meets Timor-Leste President on POGO ban, extradition of Teves

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and other officials during a courtesy visit on Tuesday to discuss key issues related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and the extradition case of former lawmaker Arnie Teves Jr.

Remulla informed the Timor-Leste government about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s total ban on POGOs in the Philippines, highlighting issues such as crime, regulatory evasion, and potential threats to public safety that led to their prohibition.

The meeting also covered investigations into dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who was tagged as a Chinese spy by businessman She Zhijiang, and discussed reports indicating Timor-Leste as one of the possible destinations for POGOs to transfer operations.

Remulla expressed hope for continued cooperation from Timor-Leste in extraditing Teves, who faces multiple murder charges in the Philippines and is currently under investigation there.

The Philippine government emphasized its commitment to due process while urging Timor-Leste to cooperate in ensuring that Teves returns to face justice, highlighting the shared Catholic heritage and values between both countries as a basis for mutual understanding.