The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed its readiness to assist the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the possible transfer and detention of expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. back to the country.
This comes after the arrest of Teves while he was in Timor-Leste, following accusations that he was the mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023.
Moreover, the DOJ has also sought his designation as a “terrorist” under Anti-Terrorism Council Resolution No. 43, series of 2023.
In an ambush interview at Camp Crame, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said that the custodial facility at the National Headquarters is prepared in case Teves is brought there.
However, the DOJ has yet to coordinate with the PNP regarding the matter.
"'Yung sa amin, wala pa po kaming nakukuha na assistance na coming from NBI at DOJ. But in case na mayroon po kami, mayroon po kaming facility dito doon sa Custodial po namin. In case na kailangan po ng DOJ ng any assistance, magpo-provide po kami ng mga pulis," said Marbil.
No official documents pertaining to the extradition from Timor-Leste have been received by the DOJ, according to initial reports.
The agency assured the public that it stands ready to coordinate the swift return of the accused to the country.
