7 hours ago
2
This photo shows the Department of Justice office in Faura, Manila.
Philstar.com / File photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will appeal the decision of the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals (CA) nixing the Philippine government’s request to extradite expelled Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ will file a motion for reconsideration before the Timor-Leste court, vowing to “exhaust all remedies possible.”
“It’s very hard to predict an immature justice system at work. Very immature is the justice system of Timor-Leste,” he told reporters, hinting at possible corruption in the system.
“There’s no basis for the decision. So it’s obvious that some people are making money out of this. Maybe the lawyers or maybe more than the lawyers,” Remulla said.
In junking the Philippines’ extradition request, the Timor-Leste court cited the recantations of several witnesses, who claimed they were forced to sign affidavits “pre-prepared by police and military personnel” meant to implicate Teves in the murders with which he was being charged.
The court also noted the testimony of Teves’ secretary, who claimed she was detained without a valid arrest warrant and interrogated under physical and psychological threats, including a gun pointed in her face.
The Philippine government is seeking the extradition of Teves for him to face multiple murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder charges in Manila for the March 4, 2023 assassination of then Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, along with several others.
Teves and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.
The DOJ earlier said it is “surprised and deeply disappointed” by the adverse ruling of the Timor-Leste court, saying it is “peculiar” for the Timor-Leste CA to reject their request now after having twice decided in favor of extradition.
“The decision is peculiar and legally improbable. This sudden shift raises serious concerns, and we are currently seeking further clarification regarding the basis of this decision. We reiterate our firm request for cooperation in this matter,” the DOJ said in a statement.
At the March 19 Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Remulla hinted there was “so much corruption” in Timor-Leste’s criminal justice system.
“It’s a work in progress. It’s not easy to run after a fugitive from justice who has lots of money to burn,” the justice secretary said.
Still hopeful
Degamos widow, Janice Vallega Degamo, remains hopeful on the return of Teves through extradition.
She admitted that she was surprised and confused over the decision of the Timor-Leste CA rejecting the request of the Philippine government to extradite Teves, after previously deciding in its favor twice.
“We can’t help but think that the court in Timor-Leste could be influenced,” she said in a statement posted on social media.
However, she believes that the Philippine government will do its best in bringing Teves back to the country, “so he can face the charges of multiple murder and frustrated murder against him and his associates who are currently in Manila court.”
The widow of Degamo also expressed her concerns that Henry Teves, the wanted man’s brother, may also escape to Timor-Leste or another country if a warrant of arrest for murder charges filed against him by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will also be issued.
Pryde Henry is running for governor of Negros Oriental, while Janice, the mayor of Pamplona, is a candidate for the 3rd district’s congressional seat against Janice Teves Gaston, an aunt of the Teves siblings.
Degamo said she will try to meet with Secretary Remulla next week to discern the reason for reversal of the decision and to have an update on the government’s next steps. — Gilbert Bayoran
