In a statement, the DFA said this was confirmed by the Ministry of Interior of Timor-Leste.
“In accordance with the decision of the Timor-Leste Government, Representative Teves has been granted a period of five days to depart Timor-Leste,” the agency said.
“During this time, he also has the option to file an appeal regarding the decision,” it added.
The DFA said Teves is currently in the capital city of Dili where he applied for political asylum.
After getting information that Teves was seeking asylum in the country, the Department of Justice (DOJ) wrote a letter urging the DFA to inform the country’s Ambassador in Timor-Leste that they have taken “concrete steps” to designate the embattled lawmaker as a terrorist amid his implication as the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March.
Teves refused to come back home over claims of threats against his life and family after his name was dragged in the murder incident which he has repeatedly denied any involvement to.
Eleven suspects in Degamo’s killing have been arrested. (SunStar Philippines)