Former Negros Oriental Rep Arnolfo Teves after he was arrested by Timor-Leste authorities. Photo courtesy NBI/File

MANILA (2nd UPDATE) -- Former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. has been re-arrested after earlier being released in Timor Leste, the Department of Justice said.

"The release and subsequent re-arrest of the former congressman from prison to the Polícia Nacional of Timor Leste is part of the country's process," DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said, hours after lawyer Ferdinand Topacio bared that Teves had been released.

"The Department was able to submit all requirements ahead of time and in a manner fully compliant with Timor Leste's law," Clavano added.

READ: Expelled congressman Teves arrested in Timor-Leste

Clavano also took a swipe at Topacio for his statements issued to the media. 

"Thus, the statements of Atty. Topacio are misleading, highly irresponsible and an insult to both countries. He ought to know that while he owes fealty to his client, he remains an officer of the court and must act accordingly to maintain its majesty and integrity," he said.

Rep. Arnolfo Teves released from preventive detention in  Becora Prison in Dili, Timor Leste. Photo courtesy of Atty. Ferdinand Topacio

Topacio earlier said that Teves was released from preventive detention pending his extradition trial because the Philippine government supposedly made the request out of time and in a manner not sanctioned by practice and international law.

"In other words, our government 'screwed up'. Thus, his imprisonment was declared illegal," Topacio said.

Topacio added that according to the local CRA Law Office and Dr. Jose Ximenez, there are still judicial proceedings that Teves will have to undergo relating to his continued stay in Timor-Leste.

Topacio said Teves will be present during the proceedings, along with witnesses in his favor, including former Human Rights Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano.

"The road to justice for Mr. Teves will be long and hard, bloody and painful but we will never surrender, to paraphrase Winston Churchill," Topacio said.

READ: DOJ says Teves must face cases in PH

Clavano noted that the Polícia Nacional of Timor Leste (PNTL) has taken Teves into custody to continue to stand trial for his anticipated extradition.

"The Department is confident that the extradition proceedings will be successful. In addition, the former congressman may also still be deported depending on the direction taken by the Timor Leste government in coordination with the Philippines," Clavano said.

Asked about the details of Teves' release, Clavano said they will be issuing other details as soon as possible.

"The Philippines, as the requesting party, must respect and participate in the legal proceedings of Timor Leste underscoring the sovereignty of each country," Clavano said.

"His release and subsequent re-arrest should not be taken as hindrance to the process but simply a part of it," Clavano said.

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