AFTER one year and a half years of eluding arrest over a long list of criminal charges, fugitive Arnolfo Teves Jr. would finally be heading home after Timor Leste granted the Philippine government’s request to extradite the expelled congressman.
“The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirms the grant of the extradition request made by the Philippine government. The information was relayed to us by the Attorney-General of Timor-Leste. We have won,” DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said.
According to Clavano, the approval of the extradition request would mean the culmination of the judicial process embarking on charges arising from multiple cases of murder, illegal possession of firearms and terrorism among other cases filed in courts..
“We look forward to the arrival of Mr. Teves so that he may finally face the charges against him in our local courts,” he added.
Interestingly Clavano could not ascertain as to when Teves would be flown back to face criminal charges – most of which are non-bailable.
Since leaving the country in February last year, Teves has been hopping from one country to another to evade arrest over the the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo on March 4 last year.
Teves, who is being believed to be the mastermind behind a long list of killings in Negros Oriental since 2019, was however arrested on his last stop – Timor Leste – by members of the Interpol after his name landed on the red notice list.
Oddly though, Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio has yet to issue a statement as he always does. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
