Remulla to bring up extradition treaty with top Timor-Leste official

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said he will be in contact with a top official of the Timor-Leste government, where he will bring up the possibility of having a mutual legal assistance treaty or an extradition treaty.

“Tomorrow morning I will be in contact with one of their top officials,” Remulla said in an interview.

 “[T]he possibility of having a mutual legal assistance treaty or extradition treaty between Timor-Leste and the Philippines. We will discuss it. I will bring it up,” he later added.

An extradition treaty is an agreement between the Philippines and other governments that will allow the parties to request the extradition of an individual who is accused of a crime.

Meanwhile, a mutual legal assistance treaty provides for the sharing of information and evidence related to criminal investigations and prosecutions.

“Basically ako ang concern ko, the process of bringing Teves soon for trial, to stand trial,” Remulla said.

Former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., alleged mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, was spotted in Timor-Leste in September.

The former lawmaker entered Timor-Leste to seek asylum in May. The Timor-Leste government denied his application, prompting him to appeal the decision.

“He’s still there. He has bodyguards. Well guarded. Living an easy, wealthy life,” Remulla said.

Charges of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder have been filed against Teves over the March 4 killing of Degamo and others. A Manila court has also issued an e-warrant for his arrest.

Aside from the murder of Degamo and others, the former lawmaker and others have also been charged with the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

The Anti-Terrorism Council has also designated Teves and 12 others as terrorists, citing several alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.

Teves has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.—AOL, GMA Integrated News