It brings to 10 the number of suspects who have withdrawn their statements about their supposed participation in the brazen attack that killed Degamo and nine others.Andres Manuel, one of the defense counsels, identified the five as Benjie Rodriguez, Eulogio Gonyon, John Louie Gonyon, Winrich Isturis, and Joric Labrador confirmed their recantations via the online platform Zoom.
All 10 are detained at the National Bureau of Investigation. An 11th suspect, Marvin Miranda, one of the alleged masterminds, is also under the custody of the NBI.Manuel said the recantations strengthened the position of the defense panel and provided a foundation for challenging the multiple murder case filed against suspended Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves Jr., the alleged mastermind in the broad daylight killing of Degamo.