Lascañas apologizes to Senate, says he was coerced to lie

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News)– Self-proclaimed Davao Death Squad (DDS) and former SPO3 Arturo Lascañas on Monday, March 6 apologized to Senate for his false testimony during the previous Senate hearing regarding the DDS conducted last year.

“First, I’d like to ask for an apology and understanding of what I had said when I was invited (by) this honorable committee,” the retired cop said.
Lascañas take back his October testimony and alleged that the DDS exists and was paid by then Davao City Mayor Duterte to kill criminals and enemies.

Lascañas pointed out that retired SPO4 Sonny Buenaventura, trusted security aide of then Davao City Mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte coerced him to make a testimony to counter Edgar Matobato’s testimony.

“I told Supt. Rivera (that) my fear is that I could be issued a warrant so he told me, if ever you are forced to present yourself, deny everything. That is the instruction of SPO4 Sonny Buenaventura and I said ‘yes, of course’,” Lascañas said.

Lascañas said he want to speak the truth and wanted to clear his conscience.

“The reason why I made my public confession last week because of my desire to tell the whole truth not only because of my spiritual renewal but the fear of God and I wanted to clear my conscience,” he said.

Eagle News Service