The Philippine government has expressed disappointment over Timor-Leste’s refusal to extradite former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is now classified as an undocumented Filipino.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Maria Teresita Daza said Timor-Leste’s decision not to turn Teves over to the Philippines reflects a lack of trust in one of ASEAN’s founding members.

“We are disappointed that Timor-Leste has not shown sufficient confidence in the Philippine justice system,” Daza told reporters in a text message.

She emphasized that while Timor-Leste’s application for ASEAN membership depends on its compliance with the roadmap for full membership and accession to the ASEAN Charter, it should also demonstrate trust and cooperation with existing member states.

Teves is accused of masterminding the 2023 assassination of his political rival, former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, and nine others.

“[This includes] the spirit of trust and cooperation that ASEAN member states accord one another, both within the ASEAN framework and in their bilateral relations,” Daza said.

The Philippines, alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, is among ASEAN’s founding members. In 2022, ASEAN leaders granted Timor-Leste observer status and agreed in principle to admit it as the bloc’s 11th member.

This development follows the Department of Justice’s revelation that the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals denied the Philippines’ extradition request for Teves, who stands accused of masterminding the 2023 assassination of political rival and former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had warned that Timor-Leste’s ASEAN bid could be affected by its refusal to deport Teves to the Philippines.