The Marcos administration expressed 'surprise' over the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal's reversal of its earlier rulings, denying the Philippine government's request to extradite former Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.

Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the administration was surprised by the ruling, as Philippine authorities had provided all necessary evidence and legal documents to support the extradition request.

"Medyo nagulat ang administrasyon, lalong-lalo na ang DOJ, patungkol dito dahil ayon sa kanila, nagawa nila ang lahat at naibigay lahat ng ebidensya at records para ma-grant ang extradition, (The administration, especially the DOJ, was somewhat surprised by this because, according to them, they did everything and provided all the evidence and records needed for the extradition to be granted), "Castro said in a press briefing Friday.

Justice Assistant Secretary Atty. Mico Clavano confirmed that the DOJ was informed of the adverse ruling against the 2 December 2024 decision of the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal, which initially favored Teves' extradition.

He stressed that allowing him to evade justice would be the height of injustice, not only to the victims and their families but also to the integrity of the rule of law.

The Timor-Leste Court of Appeal reversed its ruling after twice deciding in favor of extradition — first in June 2024 and again in December 2024.

According to Castro, the Timor-Leste court examined the Philippines’ legal system and found that it does not impose the death penalty. This led to a review, raising questions about the previous approval of the extradition request.

'An endless appeal'

Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo, also expressed frustration over the Timor-Leste court’s decision.

"We are all saddened by the news. Noong nag-decide sila favorably, we thought he would really be brought home. Then came the appeal, hanggang sa naging endless appeal ang nangyari, (We are all saddened by the news. When they initially ruled in favor, we thought he would really be brought home. Then came the appeal, and it turned into an endless cycle of appeals), " Degamo said in a radio interview.

Degamo further claimed that Teves has allegedly built political and business connections in Timor-Leste, particularly in gambling operations.

"May sabi-sabi na Arnie Teves is now working closely in Timor-Leste sa anak ng very high-ranking official doon, introducing all the gambling things na dinala rin niya dito, (There are rumors that Arnie Teves is now working closely in Timor-Leste with the child of a very high-ranking official there, introducing the same gambling operations he brought here), " Degamo alleged.

Teves is the alleged mastermind behind the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and is facing serious charges, including multiple counts of murder.

Facing multiple warrants, he fled the Philippines and was later arrested in Timor-Leste, where he applied for political asylum, but his request was denied.

In March 2024, Teves was arrested by Interpol and Timorese police after being placed on Interpol’s Red Notice alert.

PCO Undersecretary Castro said the DOJ will file an appeal at the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals regarding Teves' extradition request.