Teves Released, Re-Arrested in Timor Leste: DOJ Disputes 'Misleading' Claims by Lawyer

Former Philippine Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. Freed, Then Re-Arrested in Timor Leste Custody Dispute

MANILA, Philippines — In a surprising turn of events, former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. was briefly released from preventive detention in Becora Prison in Dili, Timor Leste, only to be re-arrested shortly after, according to conflicting statements from his legal counsel and the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ).

Teves ' lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio , claimed that his client was released due to the Philippine government's alleged missteps in the extradition request. "The request for extradition by the Philippine Government was made out of time and in a manner that is not sanctioned by practice and customary international law," Topacio said, adding that "in other words, our government 'screwed up.' Thus, his imprisonment was declared illegal."

However, the DOJ strongly refuted Topacio 's claims, with Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV stating that the "release and subsequent re-arrest of the former congressman from prison to the Polícia Nacional of Timor Leste is part of the country's process." Clavano asserted that the DOJ had "submitted all requirements ahead of time and in a manner fully compliant with Timor Leste's law," and described Topacio 's statements as "misleading, highly irresponsible and an insult to both countries."

The DOJ maintained that Teves remains under the custody of the Timor Leste police and will continue to stand trial for his anticipated extradition to the Philippines, where he faces multiple murder charges related to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in the Pamplona Massacre earlier this year.

Clavano appealed to Topacio to let Teves face the Philippine court, stating, "Iharap nalang niya kliyente niya dito sa korte sa Pilipinas. Kawawa ang mga inosenteng taong namatay. Kawawa ang mga pamilya ng mga victims. Kelangan natin makuha ang hustisya sa kaso na ito. Hindi tayo pwedeng tumigil." (He should let his client face the Philippine court. The innocent people who died are pitiful. The families of the victims are also miserable. We need to obtain justice in this case. We cannot stop.)

The legal battle over Teves ' extradition continues, with the Timor Leste government's actions and the Philippine government's efforts to secure his return to face justice in the Philippines at the center of the ongoing dispute.