Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Congressman Arnulfo ‘Arnie’ Teves Jr. was temporarily released from Becora Prison in Dili, Timor-Leste.
Teves had been in preventive detention since his arrest in March, following a “red notice” from Interpol for his alleged involvement in the murder of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.
Teves’ lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, announced that Teves was released before his extradition because the extradition request from the Philippine government did not align with customary international law.
Topacio also stated that Teves’ detention was declared illegal.
Earlier, Topacio said he was informed by his counterparts in East Timor that his client was freed from temporary imprisonment because the DOJ “screwed up.”
“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. In other words, our government ‘screwed up’. Thus, his (Teves’) imprisonment was declared illegal,” Topacio said.
Teves still faces judicial proceedings in Timor-Leste, starting tomorrow.
Topacio, meanwhile, said his client will remain in Timor-Leste to undergo judicial proceedings, which will start on Tuesday (June 11), according to CRA Law Office and Dr. Jose Ximenez.
“He (Teves) will be present therein, together with witnesses in his favor, including former Human Rights Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano, who will be presented as an expert in human rights,” Topacio added.
He is expected to attend these proceedings with witnesses, including former Human Rights Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano, who will testify as a human rights expert.
Watch the Playlist: Teves Vs Degamo
The Philippine Department of Justice remains committed to ensuring Teves faces charges in the Philippines.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the Philippine government is continuing its efforts to extradite Teves to face the charges against him.