LEGAZPI CITY — The family of slain Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe commended the decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to issue a warrant of arrest against Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo who was implicated in the 2018 killing of the lawmaker.
"We are extremely happy but cautiously optimistic because he (Baldo) is on the run. We hope and pray for his immediate capture and that this time he stays in jail permanently," lawyer Justin Batocabe, the eldest son of the late lawmaker, told The Manila Times.
Batocabe said that he does not believe that Baldo is a "fall guy" because all evidence points to him.
"If he is a fall guy, why hasn't he said anything who is behind him. All innuendo. But time and time again all evidence points to Baldo," he said.
In his social media post, Batocabe's eldest son said that this is the third time that his family and their legal team will seek the incarceration of Baldo.
"To date this is the third time I, together with our family's legal team, will send him to jail. While we know the road is still long, we thank the RTC Judge and Supreme Court in finding that the bail was erroneously issued," he said.
"We pray that the PNP immediately apprehend the mayor as soon as possible. Should he continue in his flight from justice, I hope the DILG could step in and levy the appropriate administrative penalties. I hope and pray that this is the last and permanent time that he goes to jail; and that ultimately Justice may be served."
On Aug. 21, 2024, NCR Branch 3 RTC Acting Presiding Judge Acerey Pacheco ordered the arrest of Baldo over the killing of Batocabe and his police aide Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz.
Batocabe and Diaz were killed on Dec. 22, 2018, after distributing gifts to senior citizens as part of a Christmas event at covered basketball court of Burgos Elementary School at Barangay Burgos, Daraga town.
"You are hereby commanded to arrest Carlwyn Go Baldo who is said to be found in Purok 8, Tagas, Daraga, (Locsin) Albay, or elsewhere and who has been charged before me with the offense of murder (under Art. 248 (1) of the revised penal code) and bring him forthwith before me to be dealt with according to law," Pacheco said in the arrest order.
Pacheco directed the arresting officers to wear or use at least one body-worn camera and one alternative device.
The Times tried to reach the camp of Baldo but his camp said that the mayor was out of town on a trip with village officials.
Provincial police information head LtCol. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, meanwhile, said that the local police have not yet received a copy of Baldo's warrant of arrest but said she will coordinate with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group when it arrives.
The police are also calling on all Daraga residents to remain calm and not add fuel to the fire.
Read The Rest at :
