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DOJ to have Teves passport canceled after filing of raps

By Benjamin Pulta

May 10, 2023, 7:13 pm

<p>Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla <em>(File photo) </em></p>

Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla (File photo) 

MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla on Wednesday said the government will formally cancel the passport of fugitive Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo A. Teves Jr. shortly after the scheduled filing of criminal charges against the latter in connection with the killing of his political rival, Gov. Roel Degamo.

Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to complete its preliminary investigation into the case against Teves by Monday (May 15), after which the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be formally requesting the cancellation of the lawmaker's passport.

"I think he is still there, I think he will go back to Korea. He was seen in Korea, Cambodia and Bangkok where most his people are. I think he will just go around these countries. When the charges are filed, we will file for cancellation of his passport," Remulla said following reports that Teves sought asylum in Dili City, Timor Leste.

The Timor Leste government has subsequently turned down Teves' request.

Investigators, Remulla said, are also looking into the whereabouts of two other individuals who also have left the country and are believed to be working with Teves and are yet to return.

Remulla added that the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) technical working group assigned to evaluate the government's request to declare Teves a terrorist will be completing the process within the month.

"Another two weeks, we just have to go through the process. We are not here to persecute, it is prosecute," Remulla said. (PNA) 

 

 

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