President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta speaking during an interview with The Associated Press at the Presidential Palace in Dili on Sept 4, 2024. - AP
DILI, Timor-Leste: A former Filipino congressman who sought asylum in Timor-Leste after being accused of orchestrating the killings of a provincial governor and others will likely be returned home to face charges soon in the closely watched case, Timor-Leste's president said on Wednesday (Sept 4).
Arnolfo Teves Jr was taken into custody while playing at a golf driving range in the Timorese capital of Dili in March after an Interpol red notice was issued for his arrest. He then sought asylum in the impoverished South-East Asian nation.
Teves' initial request to seek shelter was rejected, and the process for finalising the appeal was delayed due to judicial holidays, President Jose Ramos-Horta said in an interview.
The court is expected to resume work after a visit by Pope Francis next week, and it's "very likely" that Teves has exhausted his appeals and will have to leave the country, he said.
"I know all about international humanitarian law. I can say without any hesitation who is really genuinely applying for, is eligible for, asylum. That’s not the case of Teves,” Ramos-Horta said.
There is "no possibility, under the law” that Teves would be able to remain in Timor-Leste, the president added.
Teves is being sought in connection with the killings of Negros Oriental Gov Roel Degamo and eight other people by men in military camouflage and body armour in March 2023. Police said that at least 17 others were wounded in the attack, which was captured on security cameras.
Teves has denied involvement in the killings, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who was backed by Degamo, called "purely political.”
Timor-Leste, Asia's youngest country, is in the process of joining the Philippines and nine other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). It currently has observer status in the regional bloc, and hopes to become a full member next year, Ramos-Horta said. - AP
