Philippines warns Timor-Leste over Teves extradition

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla warned on Tuesday, March 25 that Timor-Leste's application to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could be jeopardized due to its refusal to extradite former congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr.

The Philippine government had requested the extradition of Teves, who faces murder and frustrated murder charges in the Philippines following a deadly shooting incident in Negros Oriental in 2023.

Despite two previous rulings by Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals granting the extradition request, the court denied it for a third time on March 20 citing concerns over potential torture if Teves were returned.

Remulla urged Timor-Leste to simplify the matter by deporting Teves, describing it as a straightforward case of removing an undocumented Filipino citizen facing criminal charges.

Teves' lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, argued that deportation would violate Timor-Leste's constitution, which prohibits actions leading to torture.

The former congressman was designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council and arrested in Dili, Timor-Leste last year based on an Interpol red notice.