Degamo’s ‘gunmen’ get P8M to recant

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has claimed that the alleged gunmen who assassinated Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo were offered P8 million each to recant their statements against suspended Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr.

In an interview over CNN Philippines, Remulla cited an intelligence report from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) where lawyer Reynante Orceo allegedly offered his clients a hefty amount of money to withdraw their statements against Teves.

“If I’m not mistaken, he (Orceo) was offering them P8 million each to reassure them about - and to believe - their principal, who is a congressman and a gambling lord,” Remulla said, referring to Teves, the suspected mastermind in the killing of Degamo and eight others.

The lawyer could be liable for obstruction of justice if proven that money changed hands, Remulla said in a later press briefing with DOJ reporters.

He added that it was “unfortunate” that a former official of the department he now heads is defending those allegedly behind Degamo’s assassination.

“It leaves a bad taste in the mouth. We try our best to serve the people in this capacity. At least in my team, the undersecretaries, the directors, I have very high regard for them,” Remulla said.

“It’s very unfortunate there are people who will stoop so low, if ever these things are proven,” he added.

Remulla also denied the allegations that the suspects were tortured under custody and forced to confess to the crime.

In a message to the STAR, Orceo dismissed Remulla’s allegation that he was behind the P8-million bribe as “hearsay.”

“As lawyers, which Secretary Remulla is supposedly aware of, such statements are devoid of evidentiary weight or probative value. In fact, Sections 13 and 38 of the new lawyers Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability prohibits the imputation of misconduct and the nonposting of false or unverified statements,” Orceo said.

He said he could not comment on the alleged under-the-table dealings with the 10 suspects, because he represents the only suspect who has not recanted - military reservist Marvin Miranda, tagged by Remulla as Teves’ co-mastermind in the killing.

Miranda has nothing to recant because he has not cooperated with authorities and has not admitted to the crime.

“We only represent Miranda. All the other accused are represented by different counsels. The recantations of all the other accused should be attributed to their respective counsels, not to us,” Orceo said.

The lawyers for the gunmen who took back their statements also denied Remulla’s allegations.

“I am completely clueless about this allegation. It is impossible that would happen while they are under NBI custody under NBI’s watch,” Atty. Danny Villanueva said in a Zoom interview with reporters.

“I did not do that, and I will never do such a thing. Let’s just go back to the issues at hand,” added Atty. Jord Valenton.

They represent the alleged gunmen facing murder charges before the Manila Regional Trial Court -- Joven Javier, Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora, Jhudiel/Osmundo Rivero, Rogelio Antipolo Jr., Joric Labrador, Benjie Rodriguez, Winrich Isturis, Eulogio Jr. and John Louie Gonyon.

As the alleged mastermind refused to return to the country and face the investigation, Teves has appealed before the Supreme Court in Timor Leste the denial of his request for political asylum in the island country.

Remulla said the DOJ has informed authorities in Timor Leste about proceedings here before the Anti-Terrorism Council to designate Teves a terrorist.

“He will not get that citizenship. The world will not coddle a terrorist,” Remulla said.

Teves was able to fly to Timor-Leste from Singapore using a private plane with 13 people, including his wife and children, Remulla said.

“That’s a very expensive proposition. You’re talking about somebody complaining about oppression but spending away his money in such a manner that would put a lot of people to shame,” Remulla said in the press briefing, calling it the “lifestyle of the rich and famous.”

“He could afford that lifestyle because he is in charge of an illegal gambling empire. We’re talking about illegal gambling money,” Remulla said.

“This is the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Private plane? 13 people? Not cheap,” he added.-- Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Philippine Star News Service/FPL