Another suspect has recanted the previous testimony he made that implicated himself and suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves in the murder of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and 10 others in Pamplona, Negros Oriental last March.
The suspect identified as Joven Javier filed a petition for habeas corpus through his lawyer Danny Villanueva before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday, May 26.
In his kontra salaysay, Javier recalled that members of the Philippine Army captured him in Brgy. Cansomalig, Bayawan City at 4 PM on May 4, accused him of being involved in the Pamplona massacre.
"Sa tagpong iyon, ako ay iniimbistigahan na ng mga sundalo at pulis, at pilit na ipinapaturo sa akin kung sino daw ang aking mga kasama, at ipinapaturo din kung nasaan ang mga baril," he recalled, adding that he received violent attacks from authorities when he did not drop any names.
The suspect also disclosed that no lawyers had assisted him and no one had read to him about Miranda rights.
"Noong Marso 5, 2023, doon pa lang ako binasahan ng Miranda rights habang kinukunan ako ng salaysay at pilit na kinukuha ang aking confession, at pilit nilang pinapaturo sa akin si Marvin Miranda at si Cong. Teves," Javier said.
Javier is the fifth suspect to recant, following Jhudiel Rivero, Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Loraz, and Rogelio Antipolo Jr. who all denied that they participated in the crime and withdrew the accusation that Teves is the alleged mastermind.
Rivero, Javier, and other suspects are facing three counts of murder and frustrated murder before the Tanjay, Negros Oriental RTC over the murder of Degamo.
