Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 25) — The camp of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo said Tuesday it has no plans to turn four suspects in the multiple murder case into state witnesses as evidence on hand is enough to prove the crime.
“Wala kaming plano na gagamitin kahit sino sa kanila na maging (We don’t have a plan to use any of them as) state witness,” Levi Baligod, lawyer of the Degamo family, told CNN Philippines’ The Source. “We can still prove the crimes charged based on the evidence available.”
He was referring to four suspects who earlier surrendered to authorities. Another six suspects have been arrested.
On Monday, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, the widow of the slain governor, for the first time faced the surrendered suspects in her husband’s killing.
They met at the Department of Justice, where the four men underwent preliminary investigation.
Baligod said the individuals already refused to file a counter affidavit.
“Ang ibig sabihin n’on (That means), they want the panel of investigators to resolve the complaints based on the evidence available on record. So since the complaints make out a case for multiple murder cases and frustrated murder cases, ‘yun ‘yung magiging findings na ng (that will be the findings of the) panel,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the six suspects who were arrested were subjected to inquest proceedings and cases against them were filed in court, Baligod said.
The statements of all 10 suspects “create a tapestry of evidence that shows their separate roles but conspiratorial roles in the execution of the massacre,” he noted.
Baligod said he believes the panel of prosecutors will indict the suspects based on evidence gathered.
“Pare-pareho ang cases nila ‘yung nine murders at tsaka 18 na (They have the same case nine murders and 18) frustrated murders and once the cases are filed with the RTC, I’m very certain that these cases will be consolidated with those already filed in court,” he said.
Baligod said the suspects have named suspended Congressman Arnolfo Teves and his brother Pryde Henry Teves as the main masterminds of the murder. The siblings have denied involvement in the killing.
