Five more accused in Degamo killing recant

By Rey E. Requejo

FIVE more accused in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo have affirmed the recantation of their testimonies pinning down suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the killing.

Atty. Andres Manuel, Teves’ legal counsel, stressed Winrich Isturis, Joric Labrador, Benjie Rodriguez, and Eulogio and John Louie Gonyon sustained their recantations virtually on Monday.

“The five respondents submitted their sworn statements and affirmed these statements before the panel through Zoom,” Manuel said.

Last week, accused Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora, Osmundo Rivero, Joven Javier, and Rogelio Antipolo affirmed their recantations.

According to Andres, the recanta- tions will give them the basis to question the multiple murder complaints filed against Teves. of the DENR regional office, “be charged” for violation of the Forestry Act and environmental management laws for pollution.

“As we said before, we believe that our case is anchored on these recantations,” the lawyer said.

“Without the recantations, we believe that this is enough to question if it is still suitable to file a case against Congressman Teves,” the counsel of the respondents said.

Officials of the Department of Justice previously expressed confidence that the case remains solid despite the recantations of the suspects, stressing that they have evidence against Teves.

Meanwhile, Manuel said the National Bureau of Investigation has given them the documents that they requested.

The lawyer said they would look into whether they will file a counter-affidavit on the next hearing on July 17 or another pleading.

“What immediate actions has the DENR taken to prevent further destruction of the environment in Palompom? I have called its attention to the offenses of the Oñate couple and the DBSN Farms Agriventures Corporation. The House Committee on

Environment and Natural Resources has started an inquiry into the firm’s illegal activities. I hope the DENR has done something to address the issues I have raised,” Gomez said. Gomez said “the DENR leadership should not keep a deaf ear and a blind eye to the environmental crimes happening in Palompon and Albuera. It should act fast to stop the destruction of the municipalities’ water, soil and air resources.”