DILI, 22 may 2023 (TATOLI)– A Philippines citizen and a suspended lawmaker Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. requested the Timor-Leste Court of appeal for asylum to avoid the allegation that has been made against him by the Philippine Government in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. This is the third time that Filipino citizen Teves has asked for the granting of exile status through the courts.
“I resubmitted my request for political asylum to the Timor-Leste’s Court. I hope that this request will be favorable to me and that it will allow me to stay in Timor-Leste until I am freed from any persecution”, Arnolfo told the media at a press conference held at the Hotel Timor, Colmera, this Monday.
Teves also asked the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, and the Timorese Government to support him, saying, he is being unfairly accused by the Philippine authorities of having participated in the issue of assassination.
Arnolfo Taves hopes that Timor-Leste will provide him with a positive opinion, letting him and his family remain in Timor-Leste, considering that the country defends human rights and, has two Timorese who received the Nobel Peace Prize, the current President José Ramos Horta and Bishop Dom Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo.
“I believe that Timor-Leste is capable of giving me political asylum and providing me with a safe place to stay. Therefore, I completely disagree with the imposition of returning to my country, because that puts me in danger and I will be killed by my Government”, he warned.
Arnolf Taves recalled that the Philippine media released, on May 17, 2022, false news about his return to the Philippines: “The Government wants to intercept me, arrest me, and kill me ”.
It should be remembered that the Filipino citizen, Deputy Arnolfo, had visited Timor-Leste three times, the first in 2016, the second in October 2022, and the third in April 2023. He is currently in Timor-Leste accompanied by family and some friends.
Arnolf Teves arrived in Timor-Leste on april 27, 2023 and he submitted his request for asylum to the authorities in Timor-Leste on may 3, 2023.
Following the PhilStarGlobal news on may 9, 2023, the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs received information from the Philippines Embassy in Timor-Leste regarding Timor-Leste’s responses to Teve’s previous requests he made on may 3, 2023.
“The Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste confirms that Representative Teves’ application for political asylum has been denied,” said a statement from DFA Philippines this Thursday.
Timor-Leste government has given Teves, who is currently in Dili, five days to leave the country. During this period, the lawmaker may also file an appeal.
Journalist: José Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Nelia B
