A LAWYER representing four suspects in the Degamo slay case said that all of his clients have “taken back” the earlier statements they provide to authorities regarding their alleged involvement in the governor’s killing.

According to attorney Danny Villanueva, his clients just wanted to come out with the truth about their arrest.

Villanueva is representing accused Rogelio Antipolo Jr., Osmundo Rivero, Romel Pattaguan and Dahniel Lora.

All four, he said, have already retracted about their supposed participation in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4.

But the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday clarified that no recantation has been made yet by all 11 detained suspects.

In a press briefing at a restaurant in Quezon City that same day, Villanueva, confirmed that all his four clients have already executed their respective statement of recantation.

Rivero, according to Villanueva, was never arrested as per his claim.

“Pumunta lang daw sya sa pulis para ipagbigay-alam ang nawawala niyang motorsiklo, ‘yun hinuli na s’ya at suspek na s’ya sa Degamo slay,” the lawyer told reporters.

Part of Rivero’s new statements according to Villanueva are threats that he might not see his family again if he does not cooperate with the government regarding the Degamo case.

Rivero claimed he lost communication with his family since March 14.

Rivero’s family is reportedly under the custody of the government.

Villanueva said they will file a petition for habeas corpus on Monday for the authorities to produce Rivero’s family members.

As for the claims of his three other clients, Villanueva said that like Rivero, they were also “promised” and offered a lighter case if they “cooperate” with the government.