Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 3) — Five more suspects in the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo affirmed their recantations on Monday, one of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.’s lawyers said.
\”Nag-submit yung limang respondents ng kanilang sinumpaang salaysay at pinasumpaan ng panel ngayong araw na ito sa pamamagitan ng online via Zoom at in-affirm naman ng lima ang kanilang statements,\” Atty. Andres Manuel said.
[Translation: The five respondents submitted sworn statements and took oath before the panel today through Zoom, and their statements were affirmed.]
They were Winrich Isturis, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., John Louie Gonyon, Joric Labrador, and Benjie Rodriguez.
Earlier, five other suspects — Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora, Osmundo Rivero, Joven Javier, and Rogelio Antipolo — recanted their testimonies.
In total, 10 suspects have now affirmed their recantations. All 10 are facing murder charges in relation to the Degamo slay.
\”Sa tingin namin, nakaangkla yung main case o yung kasong ito doon sa mga statement ng sampung nag-recant,\” the lawyer continued.
\”Kung wala na yung sampung nag-recant, sa paniniwala namin sapat yun para maging katanungan kung tama pa ba na ituloy o tama ba na kasuhan si Congressman ng kasong ito,\” he added.
[Translation: We think that the main case is rooted in the statements of the ten suspects that recanted. Without them, we think that is enough to question the validity of continuing to pursue a case against Teves.]
Teves is the alleged mastermind behind the killing and has been out of the country since late February.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier claimed that Marvin Miranda, Teves’ former bodyguard and another supposed mastermind behind the slay, was the one directing the suspects’ recantations.
He also said the recantations were a conspiracy to cover up the Degamo killing.
