QUEZON CITY – The legal counsel of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. said they are seeking the assistance of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for his case.

In a press briefing on Monday, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said they asked the UN and its special rapporteurs to look into the case of Teves to determine if there were human rights violations.

"Mr. Teves has resorted to the remedy of bringing the matter of his harassment and political persecution before the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. We have retained counsel in the Netherlands and they have made filings before the UN," he said.

"One is invoking his right and complaining about violations of his human rights. And another is an application to the special rapporteurs to look into the case and see whether or not there is a violation of the rights of Mr. Teves as an individual and subject of international law," Topacio added.

Teves is facing multiple counts of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder for the death of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

Topacio said they filed the pleadings last week before the UNCHR.

The Department of Justice has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

The House of Representatives expelled Teves from the chamber in August 2023 for disorderly conduct and his continued absence from his duties.

Teves has repeatedly denied allegations that he masterminded  Degamo's assassination.

In March, Teves was arrested in Dili, Timor-Leste while playing golf, following the red notice issued by International Criminal Police (Interpol) in February.

The DOJ announced in June that Timor-Leste approved the extradition of Teves. The camp of Teves filed a motion for reconsideration before the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals in July.

The DOJ earlier said it remains confident the Timor-Leste court will uphold its decision to extradite Teves.

Topacio said the Timor-Leste court has yet to decide on the appeal of Teves.