Teves released from detention in Timor Leste, says lawyer

FERDINAND Topacio, lawyer of former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. said his client has been “released” by the Timor Leste government on Monday.

The former solon was arrested by local authorities in Dili last March following the issuance of a “red notice” by the International Police in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

In a message to reporters, Topacio said “Rep. Arnoldo Teves released from preventive detention in  Becora Prison in Dili, Timor Leste. No further comments at this time.”

Topacio later added that Teves was released from preventive detention pending his extradition trial because the Philippine government supposedly made the request ‘out of time’ and in a manner not sanctioned by practice and international law.

“In other words, our government ‘screwed up’. Thus, his imprisonment was declared illegal,” Topacio said.

Topacio added that according to the local CRA Law Office and Dr. Jose Ximenez, there are still judicial proceedings that Teves will have to undergo relating to his continued stay in Timor-Leste.

Topacio said Teves will be present during the proceedings, along with witnesses in his favor, including former Human Rights Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano.

“The road to justice for Mr. Teves will be long and hard, bloody and painful but we will never surrender, to paraphrase Winston Churchill,” Topacio said.

The Department of Justice is still confirming with the Timor Leste government about the supposed release of Teves.