Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 25) — The recantation of one of the suspects in the murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo proves there is basis in the claim that authorities have threatened witnesses, the lawyer of embattled Rep. Arnolfo Teves said on Thursday
“This is a validation of what we have been saying all along that these witnesses are being intimidated, threatened with illegal prosecution,” Ferdinand Topacio told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
On May 22, suspect Osmundo “Jhudiel” Rivero withdraw his initial statement, claiming in his counter-affidavit that he was kicked and hit while at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. He said he was made to say that the Negros Oriental lawyer gave the order to kill Degamo, and that his family was threatened.
Rivero’s lawyer, who also represents Dahniel Lora, Romel Pattaguan, and Rogelio Antipolo Jr., said the three suspects also took back their earlier statements.
“This just goes to show what we have been saying from the Day 1 when we accompanied Hannah Mae Sumerano to the Commission on Human Rights that there is a pattern on the part of law enforcement officers to intimidate, bamboozle and bring undue pressure and influence upon the witnesses,” Topacio said.
He referred to Teves’ secretary Hannah Mae Oray who was arrested by authorities in March during a raid in one of the lawmaker’s properties. She was later on released from custody after the Department of Justice found no evidence linking her to the firearms and explosives seized.
Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon told CNN Philippines on Wednesday that prosecutors have received the affidavit of recantation of Rivero, but it is the suspect’s duty to prove his allegations of torture.
Topacio said Rivero’s camp is taking the initiative to have him examined, but it is facing delays.
Fadullon said the case against the suspects remains strong since other pieces of evidence may help prove their links to the Degamo killing.
READ: DOJ: More than enough evidence to pin down Degamo slay suspects
Meanwhile, Topacio said Teves continues to refuse to return to the country, citing threats to his life.
