Remulla: Recantations have to be made in open court

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 29) — Justice Secretary Boying Remulla on Tuesday said any recantation in connection with the murder of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo has to be done in open court.

Remulla confirmed the filing of murder cases last Aug.15 against former Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves over the death of Degamo and nine others.

Suspects initially confessed that they participated in the killing and named Teves as the mastermind.

But upon getting their own lawyers, they retracted their original statements and claimed that they were just threatened.

"These recanted testimonies have been on their own, standing alone have been proven by other object evidence besides the testimonies themselves which were later recanted," Remulla explained

"But we have other evidence to prove these allegations," he also said. "They can recant it in court after they are presented by the prosecution."

No word yet if the court has already issued a warrant of arrest.

Teves has refused to return home from overseas.