Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and other top officials to warn the possible entry of Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGO) into their country, and the extradition case of former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr.
Remulla led the Philippine delegation in a state visit Tuesday to convey an official message from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Timor-Leste government addressing two key agenda points, the Department of Justice said Wednesday in a news release.
Remulla formally informed the Timor Leste officials that President Marcos has officially banned the operations of POGOs in the Philippines, and relayed reports indicating Timor-Leste as one of the possible destinations where POGO operations could transfer.
Remulla also discussed the difficulties faced by the Philippines during the tenure of POGO operations – including issues related to crime, regulatory evasion, and potential threats to public safety – that led to the decision to stop their operations in the country.
“Given the shared Catholic heritage and values of both the Philippines and Timor-Leste, the Philippine government deemed it essential to inform Timor-Leste of the potential socio-economic and security challenges posed by allowing POGOs to operate within its borders,” the DOJ said.
The Philippine delegation also spoke with top officials on the case of Teves, who is fighting efforts to repatriate him to Manila to face multiple murder charges.
Remulla hoped that the Timor-Leste government would continue to cooperate in ensuring that Teves could return to the Philippines to face justice.
The DOJ said Remulla underscored the Philippine government’s commitment to due process and expressed patience in awaiting the legal resolution of the case in Timor-Leste.
"This case is about delivering justice under the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable. We continue to respect the sovereignty and legal processes of Timor-Leste, but we are steadfast in our resolve to pursue justice for the victims in the Philippines," Remulla said. (PNA)
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