Gov't. to cancel Teves passport
By J.Lo
"If you are fugitive from justice, your right to travel is impaired, basically… passport is in process of being canceled," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said press briefing.Philippine government is in process of canceling passport of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnie Teves Jr. who is wanted in country for multiple murder.
Remulla revealed Teves is still in Timor-Leste and is believed to be seeking asylum, although his chances are not good.
He noted Teves has filed appeal over decision of Timor-Leste government to deny his request for asylum.
"You have limit now on your constitutional right to travel when you are fugitive from justice and you cannot seek protection from government if you have record of being wanted by law," he added.
Teves has warrants of arrest for multiple murder in relation to March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others, as well as killing of three persons in the province in 2019. He was also designated terrorist by Anti-Terrorism Council.
According to Remulla, Department of Justice is also working on having Teves placed in red notice of International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol, especially since expelled congressman was designated as terrorist.
Name of Teves as fugitive will be also placed in records of the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime.
Remulla earlier would sign this week letter asking government of Timor-Leste to hand Teves over.
Remulla will sign this week letter asking government of Timor-Leste to turn over expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is facing several murder charges and has been designated as terrorist in the Philippines.
Remulla would sign letter for Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta when he returns from Brunei.
Remulla met with Ramos-Horta and discussed with him possibility of rendition of Teves to the Philippines.
Remulla cited United Nations agreement, which states UN member-states are "duty-bound to render terrorist to prosecuting country, where trial will be conducted."
Rendition, alternative to normal extradition procedure, is carried out when suspected person is forcibly seized in another state and can only be done when there is outstanding arrest warrant.
Ramos-Horta told Remulla he would wait for Philippines' formal request on matter.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges, including killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo. He has been designated as terrorist by Anti-Terrorism Council.
Court in Bayawan, Negros Oriental ordered Teves and five others arrested for their alleged involvement in killings that took place in the province in 2019.
Manila court also issued warrant for Teves' arrest in connection with murder of Degamo and nine other persons at governor's residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental in March.
Teves is believed to be seeking asylum in Timor-Leste, where he and former senator Manny Pacquiao had chance encounter in September, according to the justice department.
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