Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano on Monday rebuffed the legal strategy of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.’s legal team in Timor-Leste to lodge a complaint with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights regarding his alleged persecution under the Marcos administration.
Clavano pointed out that Teves, recently detained in Timor-Leste in connection with the killing of provincial governor Roel Degamo, is accused of crimes in the Philippines, hence, warranting his trial within the country.
“We do not recognize or acknowledge any camp that refuses to go through our own justice system. The brutal crimes happened here in the Philippines. The families of the victims are here in the Philippines. So, we want justice to be served here in the Philippines, ” Clavano said in a message to reporters.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Teves’ local counsel, revealed over the weekend their intention to seek recourse with the UN or reapply for political asylum in Timor-Leste.
Teves recently faced a setback with the rejection of his political asylum application by the Timor-Leste Ministry of Interior, with subsequent denial of his motion for reconsideration, as reported by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Teves remains in custody facing multiple murder charges linked to the March 2023 killing of Degamo and five others.
He has consistently denied any involvement in Degamo’s assassination
But rhe Anti-Terrorism Council (ACT) has recently designated him along with several others as terrorists.
Also, a regional trial court in Manila has also authorized the release of a warrant for Teves’ arrest, along with several other respondents, in connection with the hugely-controversial death case.
