PNP ready to assist DOJ if Teves is extradited to PH

Arnolfo Teves Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it is ready to assist the Department of Justice (DOJ) if expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is extradited to the Philippines.

Teves was arrested Tuesday evening at his house in Dili, Timor-Leste, according to a social media post by his son.

“We don’t have knowledge yet of how the preparations are with the DOJ. We’re only saying that we are prepared to give assistance to the DOJ,” PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said in a chance interview with reporters in Camp Crame on Wednesday.

“We have a security escort here. Let us prepare our custodial facility in case the DOJ needs a place to put Teves,” he added.

The DOJ said it is still unclear whether Teves was arrested for being an undocumented foreigner, due to his passport cancellation, or in connection with the Philippine government’s extradition request, but said that it is “ready to arrange the transfer of custody.”

READ: Arnolfo Teves rearrested in Timor Leste; son cries ‘kidnap’

Teves has been charged in connection with the 2023 murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others, in what has since been dubbed the Pamplona Massacre.

The expelled congressman has denied the charges and has refused to return to the Philippines, claiming political persecution./mcm