Even if more detained suspects recant their testimonies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has enough evidence to prosecute those involved in the March 4, 2023 killings of Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo and nine other persons. Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony D. Fadullon gave the assurance after four of the 11 detained suspects recanted their purported testimonies on their participation and their implication of suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. in the killings. Asked if more detainees would recant their extra-judicial affidavits,  Fadullon said: “If it does happen, let me just assure you that there is more than enough evidence to pin down the accused in these cases.” Fadullon, however, declined to mention what documentary, physical or testimonial pieces of evidence make the DOJ confident in prosecuting the cases. “All I can say is that there is evidence,” he pointed out during interview with journalists at the DOJ. He noted that the DOJ already expected that the recantations will be made by some of the detained suspects. “It is their right to do so especially so that they have lawyered up already at this time,” he said. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla had disclosed that several suspects in the Degamo killing had hired private lawyers. In the meantime, Fadullon said the DOJ has yet to receive the affidavit of recantations of the four detained suspects -- Jhudiel R. Rivero, Dahniel P. Lora, Romel A. Pattaguan and Rogelio C. Antipolo Jr. “Sa tingin naman namin wala naman siya epekto doon sa kaso kasi naniniwala kami na ang ebidensyang hawak ng department sa ngayon ay matibay at kahit na pa merong umatras o may magbago ng kanilang salaysay hindi ibig sabihin nito na totally masisira yung kaso (We don’t think that their recantations will affect the case because we believe the evidence that the department now has is strong and, even if they back out or change their statements, does not mean the case will be ruined),” Fadullon said. “Yung pag-rerecant na ito also affects ‘yung  credibility ng mga tao (their recantations affect their credibility),” he stressed. “Hindi kasi pwedeng pabago-bago ‘yung sasabihin mo na sa unang kwento mo ganito ang nangyari pagkatapos babawiin mo (You can’t just keep changing what you have said in your first statement and then withdraw it),” he added. Last May 17, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed before the DOJ complaints for 10 murder, 14 frustrated murder, and four attempted murder against Teves and other persons. The DOJ is still in the process of evaluating the complaints.  If it finds reasons to proceed, it will order the respondents to file their counter-affidavit. Teves has not returned to the Philippines since his travel abroad expired last March 9.  He has denied all allegations against him in the Degamo slaying.