MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is looking at politics as motive behind the murder of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Sunday.
“Initial investigation by NBI agents suggests that the attack was likely politically motivated. A thorough inspection of the crime scene will be conducted soon in coordination with the PNP (Philippine National Police),” DOJ said in a statement.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered NBI to assist PNP in the investigation.
“The Secretary of Justice has directed the NBI, through its field operatives, to assist the police in the investigation of the assassination of Representative Batocabe and his aide in Albay,” DOJ also said.
Batocabe, who was in his last term as Ako Bicol representative, was shot along with his security aide while at a gift-giving event in Barangay Burgos, Daraga, Albay. Both were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
On Saturday, PNP Chief Director General Oscar Abayalde ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to help resolve the incident quickly. /kga
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