Remulla doubts Degamo slay suspects' torture claims, but says DOJ will investigate

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 1) — The Department of Justice will investigate the allegations made by the suspects in Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo's assassination that law enforcers tortured them into admitting their role in the killing.

While Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla doubts the claims, he said his office "will investigate it anyway."

"Pero ito ang tatanungin ko sa inyo, bakit nila gusto maiwan sa NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) kung tinorture sila sa NBI?" Remulla told the media on Thursday.

[Translation: Here's my question to you, why would they want to stay with the NBI if they were tortured there?]

"Is that consistent with somebody who was tortured? No. It's an afterthought. It's a cover-up,” the secretary added.

Eleven suspects are currently under the custody of the NBI.

READ: PNP on Degamo slay suspect's torture claim: 'No evidence leading to that accusation'

"They just want to muddle the issue now that the case is very clear against them. And mind you it's not just testimonial evidence. We have real evidence, other evidence to prove a case. And it's going to be proven sooner or later," Remulla noted.

"There were press releases that they have been claiming that they were tortured inside the NBI yet they are asking the court to retain them inside the NBI. I think that that is a paradox of sorts," the secretary also said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

READ: Recantations show cover-up conspiracy among Degamo murder suspects - Remulla