Degamo Widow Questions Timor-Leste Court Ruling on Teves Extradition

Mayor Janice Degamo criticized a Timorese court ruling that denied extradition of Arnolfo Teves, accused of her husband’s murder. The Philippine DOJ is set to appeal, emphasizing Teves’ need to face multiple serious charges. Secretary Remulla voiced concerns about the Timorese justice system’s maturity and implications for victims seeking justice. Teves, facing numerous murder charges, was apprehended in Timor-Leste after fleeing.

In Dumaguete City, Mayor Janice Degamo, the widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, expressed her disappointment regarding the Timorese court’s decision to deny an extradition request for expelled Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind her husband’s murder. The mayor termed the ruling “peculiar and difficult to understand” in a Facebook statement. Degamo also suggested the possibility that external influences may have affected the court’s decision without naming any individuals.

Despite her concerns, Mayor Degamo voiced her confidence in the Philippine government’s commitment to secure Teves’ return to face charges. “I believe in our government’s capacity to bring Arnie Teves back so he would face the charges filed against him and his cohorts,” she stated, indicating her intent to meet with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for further clarification on the situation.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that Teves faces serious accusations, including multiple counts of murder, emphasizing the necessity of his extradition to uphold justice. The DOJ plans to utilize every legal recourse available to contest the Timorese court’s ruling, which was based on provisions of their constitution that prohibit extradition under specific conditions.

Secretary Remulla commented on the issue, noting that the Timorese judicial system is relatively inexperienced and suggested that the recent decision lacks a solid basis. The March 20 ruling from the Timor-Leste court specifically mentioned concerns regarding potential torture or inhumane treatment as grounds for the denial, while highlighting the discrepancy involving the death penalty, a punishment abolished in the Philippines since 2006.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the matter, asserting that the Philippine government would assure Teves’ safety upon extradition. She acknowledged the potential repercussions of the appellate court’s decision on ongoing cases against Teves, particularly in light of various complaints filed against him.

Teves is implicated in numerous serious offenses, including ten counts of murder, related to the brutal killing of Governor Roel Degamo amidst an attack on his residence on March 4, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of nine others. Although many suspects initially linked him to the crime later recanted their statements, prosecutors proceeded with charges against Teves, who has consistently denied involvement and has since gone into hiding after receiving an arrest warrant. He was subsequently apprehended in Timor-Leste while participating in a golf game.

The unwarranted denial of the extradition request for Arnolfo Teves by the Timorese court has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of its judicial system as expressed by Mayor Janice Degamo. The Philippine Department of Justice remains committed to overcoming this setback and reaffirming the country’s pursuit of justice for the victims of the Degamo murder case. With the implications this ruling holds for other pending cases, the government’s strategy to ensure Teves’ return appears crucial for accountability and legal resolution.

Original Source: globalnation.inquirer.net