Five more suspects allegedly behind the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and 9 other civilians retracted their previous testimonies.
The suspects, identified as Winrich Isturis, Eulogio Gonyon Jr., John Louie Gonyon, Joric Labrador, and Benjie Rodriguez, filed their recantations before a Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC).
"Pinilit lang sila, pinapirma lang sila ng confession but that's not voluntary," the suspects' lawyer Atty. Jord Valenton told reporters in an ambush interview.
Valenton said that his clients were also allegedly tortured by the authorities and forced them to tag suspended Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves as the main mastermind.
Last week, the first five accused namely Danny Villanueva. Four others namely Dahniel Lora, Rommel Pattaguan, Rogelio Antipolo, and Joven Javier recanted their testimonies.
Meanwhile, lawyer Danny Villanueva, who represents the first five accused, said the arrest of his clients was illegal since they were not involved in the crime.
"Hindi rin sila naaresto na nahuli sa akto na gumawa ng krimen, so it was not 'inflagrante delicto' arrest. Hindi rin arrest iyon na pursuant to hot pursuit. Sapagkat, hindi naman sila subject ang subject ng sinasabing manhunt operations," he added.
