Philippines' Justice Minister Jesus Crispin Remulla met with East Timor's President José Ramos-Horta and other senior officials in East Timor's diplomatic mission, warning that online scam companies might relocate.
The Justice Department stated in a declaration that Minister Remulla, who is on a state visit to East Timor, warned of the challenges faced by the online gambling industry in East Timor, urging officials to "seriously consider the broader impacts of welcoming the online gambling industry and how these activities might affect domestic affairs in East Timor."
"It has been conveyed that there are reports suggesting East Timor could be one of the potential destinations for the relocation of the online gambling industry," the press release from the Justice Department read.
The Philippines has intensified its regulation of the online gambling industry, with authorities investigating illegal operations and related individuals, hence the warning was issued.
Recent measures include downgrading the specialized visas of foreign POGO workers to tourist visas, effective from October 16, giving them 60 days to leave the country or face involuntary deportation. As of September 24, the Bureau of Immigration has recorded 5,955 visa downgrades for POGO workers. Extradition requests
During the meeting, Remulla also discussed the case of former Philippine congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is currently detained there. Teves faces multiple criminal charges in the Philippines, one of which is related to the March 2023 murder of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
"This case is about upholding justice under the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable," Remulla said.
"We continue to respect the sovereignty and legal processes of East Timor, but we remain unwavering in our commitment to seek justice for the victims in the Philippines," he added.
Although the East Timor court approved the Philippines' extradition request for Teves, the court recently ordered the resubmission of evidence after Teves' legal team challenged the ruling on procedural grounds. What's next for Teves? Upon returning to his country, Teves will face multiple criminal charges, one of which is related to the March 2023 murder of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
He is also suspected of involvement in several other criminal cases related to a series of murders in 2019.
Teves and his brother Pride Henry Teves were arrested on June 20, both listed as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
According to Interpol regulations, Teves has been detained in East Timor since March, undergoing a red notice investigation.
