The camp of slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo has produced DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples that confirm the identities of at least four of the government’s primary suspects in the March 4 attack in Pamplona town.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Remulla told reporters on Tuesday during the preliminary investigation that the blood samples were collected from the crime scene and vehicles reportedly used to ferry the suspects, including a helicopter.

Degamo counsel Levito Baligod said the samples were matches for suspects John Louie Gonyon, Winrich Isturis, Osmundo Rivero, and Rogelio Antipolo Jr. as certified by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

“Kahit mag-recant ang mga shooter na ito (even if they recant), we can still successfully prosecute the cases,” Baligod said during a press briefing.

The government may still use the previous statements issued by the accused before they recanted and denied knowledge of the slay, which also killed nine others.

“Kasi tineteknikal nila. Hindi raw nila natatanggap ang (They are claiming technicalities. They are claiming they have not received the) subpoena,” Remulla said.

The governor’s widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, and other witnesses attended the DOJ investigation, along with all 10 suspects under NBI custody.

A second hearing is set on June 27 to allow fugitive Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. a final opportunity to refute the government’s claim that he masterminded the plot to kill Degamo.

“’Yung kanilang (Their) change of statement I think made us more emotional siguro kasi ‘yun nga, all along ‘yung iniisip namin hindi rin kami talaga nagkamali na kapag ‘yung pera talagang gagapang na, maraming magbabago (because we were right all along that money can make them change their minds),” Mayor Degamo said, referring to the recantations.

Degamo unseated the congressman’s brother, Henry Pryde Teves, after a recount when votes for candidate “Ruel Degamo” was credited to the slain governor.

Remulla said if Teves or his lawyers continue to snub the DOJ hearings, prosecutors may elevate the case before the courts.

“It has been said publicly that he will not participate because he believes there is bias kaya (so) they will have to take it from there because if they could not take the process seriously, then we might as well go to court for this if they do not respect the DOJ to conduct the preliminary investigation,” he said. (PNA)