Binay urges Comelec to declare Albay an election hotspot after Batocabe slay

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Nancy Binay urged the Commission on Elections on Sunday to declare Albay as an election hotspot following the killing of AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

Batocabe, 52, was at a gift-giving event for senior citizens and persons with disabilities around 3 p.m. in Barangay Burgos in Daraga, Albay when he and his police escort were gunned down by still unknown assailants.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the assassination of AKO-BICOL Rep. Rodel Batocabe, and I call on our authorities to immediately conduct a probe and get to the bottom of this issue,” Binay said in a statement.

“Nakikiramay po ako sa pamilya ni Cong. Rodel, and I pray to God that his family and loved ones be given the courage to cope with their loss,” she added.

The senator said the Comelec should declare Albay an election hotspot.

“Given the recent spate of violence in the province, with the killing of two mediamen allegedly due to politics earlier this year, I urge the Commission on Elections to declare Albay an election hotspot to guarantee the safety of every Albayanon,” she said.

In recent months, she said “election-related killings and murders have increased.”

“Pero kung ‘di tayo seryosong harapin ang mga kasong ito para magkaroon ng hustisya, no amount of condemnation would bring justice to the victims and their families,” she said.

She offered her “deepest sympathies to Cong. Rodel’s family, and the whole province of Albay whom he has served faithfully.” /je