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Suspects in Degamo killing attend preliminary investigation at DOJ


Four suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others on Monday attended the first preliminary investigation of the case at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In an ambush interview, Atty. Levito Baligod said the witnesses affirmed their affidavits during the preliminary probe.

“Inaffirm lang ng mga witnesses 'yung mga affidavits nila. So nagsumpa sila ulit sa harap ng mga panel of prosecutors. So 'yun lamang ang nangyari ngayon,” Baligod said.

(The witnesses affirmed their affidavits. They took an oath in front of the panel of prosecutors. That's what happened today.)

Baligod represented the Degamo family and was authorized by the widows of the eight individuals killed alongside the governor.

According to Baligod, the respondents are expected to file their counter-affidavits during the next hearing on April 24, Monday.

Meanwhile, when asked when they will file a murder complaint against suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., Baligod said, “Very soon.”

“I think it’s very soon kasi meron naman din kaming sariling mga affidavits na nagtuturo sa kanila. And meron din separate evidence ang DOJ na hindi pa nila nilalabas,” Baligod said.

(I think it's very soon because we also have our own affidavits pointing to them [as suspects]. And the DOJ has separate evidence they have not yet brought out.)

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has likened Teves to an “executive producer” in the killing.

Teves is being linked to the crime after suspects in the killing pointed to a certain “Cong. Teves” as the one who ordered the hit.

The lawmaker, who refuses to return to the country due to fears for his safety,  earlier denied involvement in the killing of Degamo. He also appealed for authorities' "fairness" and for investigators to look at all angles in Degamo's killing.

Degamo and eight others were killed while several others were injured after an attack at the governor's home in Negros Oriental on March 4 while he was distributing aid to his constituents.

PI for possession of firearms

Meanwhile, the DOJ also held a preliminary probe on the illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed against Teves and his two sons, Axel and Kurt.

“Ikukumpleto pa muna sa ngayon ang lahat ng mga dokumento,” Atty. Andres Manuel, Axel and Kurt’s legal counsel, said in a separate ambush interview.

(The documents will have to be completed.)

“Pinakukumpleto muna ang lahat para sa ganoon masagot kung kailangan sagutin o ma-address kung dapat ma-address,” he added.

(The documents are being completed so if anything needs to be addressed, it can be addressed.)

Meanwhile, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the legal counsel of Teves, said they only received a subpoena.

“So hindi naman kami makakasagot agad-agaran kung hindi po kumpleto ‘yung ebidensya laban sa amin,” Topacio said.

(We cannot reply immediately if the evidence against my client is not complete.)

Manuel said the next hearing is also set on April 24, Monday. —KG, GMA Integrated News

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