Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla (Photo by TETCH TORRES-TUPAS / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — The “casting director” behind the Pamplona massacre — the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others — remains “true to his billing” as he was also the one behind the recantations of 10 suspects, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Marvin H. Miranda, a former aide of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., has been identified as one of the principals accused in the death of Degamo and nine others. He was arrested last March 31
Miranda is supposedly responsible for recruiting people and providing the firearms, ammunition, and vehicle for the attack.
Miranda, true to form as we said, was the director of everything, the director of the massacre was again directing the activities around how they were going to make everybody recant,” Remulla said.
“Miranda’s capture started the process of lawyering up for [the other suspects],” he said.
A former undersecretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and introduced himself as Miranda’s lawyer. Remulla said Miranda denied knowing the lawyer.
“After he knew that this was the lawyer that was supplied to him, they started talking. That’s when the discussions with the other suspects transpired,” Remulla said.
When the 10 suspects executed their affidavits, which Remulla recognized as helpful with their investigation, they were represented by lawyers from the Public Attorneys’ Office (PAO).
But after being able to connect with Miranda, as they were all detained at the NBI, Remulla said the suspects started lawyering up, meaning they started to be represented by private counsels.
All the 10 suspects have filed their separate motions in court, withdrawing their previous testimonies.
But Remulla remains unfazed, saying it will be up to the court to decide.
He added that they have other physical evidence and witnesses to support their case against Teves and the other accused.