Just answer charges in court, Teves camp told

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday urged the camp of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to have him return to the country and face the criminal charges before the court instead of engaging in forum-shopping and propaganda campaign.

Remulla issued the statement in response to Teves’ reported open letter to the United Nations, Amnesty International, and other human rights groups, and Pope Francis himself for intercession in preventing his repatriation to the Philippines from Timor-Leste where he is seeking political asylum.

It also took place after Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano traded accusations of misleading the public after the former lawmaker was briefly released then by Timor-Leste’s police on Monday.

Remulla said Teves, as mastermind in the March 2023 attack that killed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others, is doing everything to delay his return to the country.

“Instead of dilly-dallying, Teves should just face the court of law and answer the charges fair and square,” Remulla said.

“Teves is a designated terrorist and fugitive from justice, he is also facing grave charges such as multiple murder and all of that is a reality Topacio and his client should face. Until then, we cannot recognize anything they say unless they present themselves in court,” he added.

Teves is also facing murder charges in connection with several killings in Negros Oriental in 2019, including that of a former provincial board member.

Teves has denied the accusations but refused to return to the country.

Remulla said the Philippine government has already guaranteed the protection of Teves on numerous occasions, with no less than President Marcos Jr. giving the assurance.

“Prove us wrong that you are not merely employing tactics intended to delay or circumvent the rule of law by presenting ‘real’ and ‘existing’ proof that Teves’ life is in danger.

Otherwise, submit yourselves to Philippine jurisdiction. Time is of the essence, knowing that there are victims crying for justice,” Remulla told Topacio.

He added that all allegations raised by Teves’ camp