10 suspects in Degamo’s slay withdraw testimony vs Teves

FINAL JOURNEY Policemen act as pallbearers during Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo’s funeral in his hometown of Siaton on Thursday, March 16, 2023. —Photo by FERDINAND EDRALIN

MANILA, Philippines–Five more suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Roel Degamo and nine others have taken back their testimonies, their lawyers confirmed Wednesday.

The recantations were included in the separate motions filed by the suspects before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51.

Earlier, five suspects have already recanted their testimonies, namely Jhudiel Rivero, Dahniel Lora, Romel Pattaguan, Rogelio Antipolo Jr., and Joven Javier.

The latest set of suspects to recant are Winrich Esturis, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., John Loui Gonyon, Joric Labrador, and Benjie Rodriguez.

They denied involvement in the crime, saying they were tortured by the police to admit to the killing.

“They were tortured, coerced. They were made to own up to admit to the killing,” Atty. Danny Villanueva told reporters.

Of the ten suspects, Labrador, Javier, Rodriguez, and Rivero were immediately arrested after the March 4, 2023 attack.

The others have surrendered to the military, based on information from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier said all the accused willingly provided their testimonies that helped fast-track the government’s investigation.

This probe had led to the arrest of Marvin Miranda, the former aide of Cong. Arnolfo Teves Jr.

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