DILI, 21 March 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeal rejected the Philippines’ extradition request for Arnolfo Teves, a Filipino citizen who is facing multiple murder charges in the Philippines.
After reviewing the request, a panel of judges made up of Maria Pereira, António do Carmo, and Edite dos Reis decided to deny the extradition request submitted by the Philippine government to its Timorese counterpart to extradite Arnolfo Teves.
According to section 35 (3) of Timor-Leste’s Constitution, “Extradition in respect of offences punishable, under the law of the requesting State, by death penalty or life imprisonment or whenever there are grounds to assume that the person to be extradited may be subjected to torture and inhuman, degrading and cruel treatment, shall not be permitted.”
Following Timor-Leste court’s decision, Malacañang Palace’s Press Officer said in a press briefing on Friday that the Philippine government would appeal the Timor-Leste court’s rejection of Teves’ extradition.
The Manila Times reported that Teves is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.
Teves, who flew to Timor-Leste in 2023 to seek political asylum, was labeled by the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council as a terrorist.
He was arrested on March 21, 2024, by the Scientific and Criminal Investigation Police in Areia Branca, Dili.
TATOLI
