Teves released from Timor house arrest – lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — Expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. has been ordered released from house arrest in Timor-Leste, according to his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.

“We confirm the published reports appearing on Timor-Leste media – which have reached our country – to the effect that Rep. Arnolfo Teves has been ordered released from house arrest by the tribunal conducting extradition proceedings relative to the request made by the Philippine government,” Topacio said in a statement released yesterday.

He noted that “certain conditions” had been set for the release of the expelled lawmaker, including regular reporting to a court officer and a commitment not to leave Timor-Leste while the extradition case is pending.

Teves was placed under house arrest on June 13 by the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste as part of extradition proceedings.

Earlier this week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste had concluded its hearings on the extradition case against Teves filed by the Philippine government.

The DOJ said a decision on his extradition case is expected to come “by or close to the end of June.”

The Philippines is seeking the extradition of Teves so he can face murder charges for allegedly masterminding the March 4, 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo. He is also facing other charges for the deaths of several others in the province in 2019.