Degamo Widow Criticizes Timorese Court’s Extradition Ruling on Teves

The widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo, Janice Degamo, condemned a Timorese court’s ruling against extraditing Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, whom she believes is responsible for her husband’s murder. She expressed concerns over potential external influence on the court. The Philippine Department of Justice plans to appeal the decision, citing serious charges against Teves. This ruling may significantly impact ongoing legal proceedings against him.

In Dumaguete City, Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of the slain Governor Roel Degamo, expressed her disappointment with a Timorese court’s recent ruling, which denied the Philippines’ request to extradite Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, the alleged mastermind behind her husband’s murder. In her statement on Facebook, she characterized the court’s decision as “peculiar and difficult to understand.”

Mayor Degamo suggested that external influences might have impacted the court’s ruling, stating, “We cannot avoid but think that the court in Timor-Leste can also be influenced by some people,” without naming any individuals. Despite her concerns, she remained optimistic that the Philippine government would effectively work to bring Teves back to face the charges.

She mentioned plans to meet with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to discuss the situation, stating, “I believe in our government’s capacity to bring Arnie Teves back so he would face the charges filed against him and his cohorts.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) underscored that Teves is facing severe charges, including multiple counts of murder, and vowed to “exhaust all remedies” in appealing the court’s decision. The appeal may involve guarantees of Teves’ safety and security if extradited, addressing the court’s concerns about potential risks to him.

Justice Secretary Remulla noted the unpredictability of Timor-Leste’s justice system as it is still developing. He asserted that the court’s reversal had no substantive basis, especially given the Philippines’ abolition of the death penalty in 2006. The Timor-Leste appellate court cited concerns regarding extradition related to torture and inhumane treatment under local laws.

During a briefing, Malacañang’s Press Officer Claire Castro acknowledged that the DOJ’s appeal aims to assure that Teves would not face abuse in the Philippines. She highlighted the court’s decision’s potential negative effects on pending cases against Teves, which include numerous complaints from victims of his alleged offenses.

Teves, facing serious accusations including ten counts of murder related to the deadly attack on Degamo on March 4, 2023, has denied all allegations. He went into hiding after an arrest warrant was issued against him but was apprehended while golfing in Timor-Leste. Despite some suspects recanting their statements linking him to the crime, the prosecution has proceeded with charges against him.

The refusal of a Timorese court to extradite Arnolfo Teves has sparked significant concern from the widow of slain Governor Roel Degamo, raising questions about the influence on the court’s decision. The Philippine government remains determined to appeal this ruling while ensuring that Teves is treated fairly and justly upon his return. The outcome of this case continues to influence ongoing legal matters related to the tragic events surrounding Governor Degamo’s assassination.

Original Source: globalnation.inquirer.net