LEGAZPI CITY — Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga town in Albay surrendered at the headquarters of Camalig Municipal Police Station past midnight on Tuesday.
The mayor was accompanied by his brother Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. when he surrendered.
A warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the arrest of Baldo who was implicated in the Dec. 22, 2018 killing of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police aide MSgt. Orlando Diaz.
The warrant of arrest was signed by Acting Presiding Judge Acerey Pacheco of Branch 3 on Aug. 21, 2024.
Baldo, meanwhile, posted a statement on social media, calling on the people of Daraga to stay calm and respect the rule of law.
"My personal experience is not new. As always, we will respect the court's decision. My fellow Daragueños, you were the one who gave me a mandate to return to public office. In my two years as mayor of our town, I made sure that I carried out my responsibility the best I could through my ability. We have not neglected our obligations and responsibilities," Baldo said.
"Indeed, trials really come but oftentimes it just passes through. Just like before, we will get through this. In the meantime, I will face it with strength and trust in God's guidance. To those who continue to believe in me, please pray for me. I would like to express my sincere and profound gratitude for your unwavering support. Thank you very much."
BGen. Andre Dizon, regional police director of the Philippine National Police, confirmed that the Daraga mayor gave himself up at the PNP station in Camalig at about 12:55 a.m. on Aug. 27, 2024.
"This surrender follows the implementation of a warrant of arrest by CIDG on August 21, 2024, in connection with two counts of murder related to the deaths of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz," Dizon said.
"After which, he was subjected to the standard booking procedures and was duly informed of his constitutional rights. We affirmed our commitment to upholding the rule of law. All legal protocols were carefully followed, with a focus on ensuring that the rights of the accused were fully respected throughout the process."
Justin Batocabe, eldest son of the slain lawmaker, told The Manila Times that the Batocabe family is grateful to the PNP and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for their efforts to arrest Baldo.
"We are very happy and would like to thank the PNP and CIDG for their hard work in capturing Baldo. We would also like to thank the Court of Appeals in overturning the grant of bail, the SC for affirming the CA decision and Judge Acerey Pacheco's timely issuance of a warrant of arrest. We hope that this is the start of the long road towards justice," he said.
The family of Baldo believed that the Daraga mayor was just a "fall guy" and that the people responsible for the killing of Batocabe remained on the loose.
The family of Batocabe believes otherwise.
Read The Rest at :
