MANILA, March 22 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday assured the safety of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., even as it seeks the latter's return to Manila in the coming days either by deportation or extradition.

"Ang pinaka-priority po ni Secretary (Jesus Crispin) Remulla ngayon yung kaligtasan po ni Ginoong Teves. Alam ho natin na napakalaking kaso nito sa atin (The main priority of Secretary Remulla right now is the safety of Mr. Teves, This is a big criminal case here), and we just want to make sure that he is here to stand trial, safe and sound.," Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a press briefing.

The DOJ earlier confirmed the arrest of Teves in Dili East Timor Thursday afternoon wh...