The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday announced the mobilization of a joint team to facilitate the return of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves, Jr.
The development came following the issuance of Timor-Leste’s deportation order.
In a statement, the DOJ said they welcome the action taken by the government of Timor-Leste in ordering the administrative deportation.
The joint team is composed of representatives from the DOJ, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to coordinate closely with Timorese authorities.
The DOJ noted that the administrative deportation decision includes a 10-year ban on re-entry and is grounded in Timor-Leste’s domestic laws on migration and asylum as well as respect for the principles of international cooperation and ASEAN solidarity.
It stressed that the public and the international community is assured that “due process will be strictly observed, and that justice will be pursued without fear or favor.”
The former lawmaker is facing multiple criminal charges the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Timor-Leste, which declared Mr. Teves’ presence a threat to national security and public order, citing the seriousness of the charges against him and the absence of any legal authorization for him to remain in their country.
Likewise, the Government of Timor-Leste emphasized that harboring fugitives undermines efforts to combat transnational crime and disrupts diplomatic relations between sovereign states.
