13-6-2024 (MANILA) In a development that has captured the nation’s attention, (Arnolfo Teves Jr.), the ousted Philippine lawmaker embroiled in a legal quagmire, has been placed under house arrest by Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals (CA) as part of extradition proceedings. This move has been confirmed by both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Teves’ legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio.
Addressing the unfolding situation, the DOJ issued a statement, asserting, “The government will maintain close oversight to ensure that all procedures are both valid and appropriate.” Underscoring the gravity of the circumstances, DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez further remarked, “Regardless of whether he is in custody, rearrested, or under house arrest, he is under the control of the police authorities.”
Topacio, representing the expelled lawmaker, shed light on the rationale behind the house arrest, stating that it is “relative to the extradition proceedings.” This development comes amid reports from Hatutan.com, a local news outlet in Timor-Leste, which cited flight risk concerns as the primary reason for imposing strict security measures on Teves until the court proceedings reach their conclusion.
However, Topacio vehemently refuted assertions that the ousted lawmaker poses a flight risk. In a statement to GMA News, he declared, “After having determined that he is not a flight risk and that he has not violated any laws, he was placed under guard in his residence simply to ensure his attendance in the hearings.”
The DOJ has previously indicated that a decision from Timor-Leste’s CA is anticipated on or before June 20, underscoring the urgency of the matter at hand.
The journey that led to Teves’ current predicament has been fraught with controversy. Released from preventive detention on Monday, the ousted lawmaker found himself back in court custody mere hours later, a testament to the complex legal battles he faces.
It is worth noting that Teves’ expulsion from the House of Representatives in August of the previous year was a consequence of disorderly conduct and prolonged absence, even after his travel authority had expired.
Furthermore, Teves has been implicated as the alleged mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo on March 4, 2023, a grave accusation that has further compounded the legal challenges he confronts.
In addition to the Degamo case, the ousted lawmaker is also facing a separate warrant of arrest for a murder case involving three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019, further underscoring the severity of the allegations against him.
Escalating the situation to unprecedented levels, in August 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated Teves as a terrorist, alleging that his leadership of an armed group orchestrated killings and a series of harassments in Negros Oriental.
Compounding the charges, Teves has also been accused of financing terrorism under Section 4 of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, as well as similar provisions under the Anti-Terrorism Law.
