By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday called on Timor-Leste authorities for the immediate deportation or extradition of ousted Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., following news reports that his son allegedly bribed a member of Timor Leste’s police force in exchange for special treatment of his detained father.
According to reports from the Hutahan news site, the son of Teves offered a US$2,000 (over P114,000) bribe to a Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC) member in exchange for “security” inside and outside Becora Prison.
“As a result, calls for the immediate extradition or deportation of Teves has intensified in Timor-Leste to prove to the international community that the country does not harbor international fugitives,” the DOJ said in a statement.
Teves is currently in pre-trial detention at Becora Prison following his arrest in March by Timorese authorities acting on a red notice issued by the International Criminal Police Organization.
The former lawmaker is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 51 in relation to the March 4, 2023 shootings in Pamplona town. The trial court had issued an arrest order against him.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated his call for Teves to go home and face his cases “squarely” in the Philippines.
“Let us stop playing hide and seek with the law, one cannot evade accountability for eternity. Prolonging your liabilities with the Rule of Law only worsens your predicament,” he said.
