Opposition lawmakers help raise cash reward in Batocabe case

Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives known as the “Magnificent 7” on Monday joined their proadministration colleagues in pooling resources to raise the bounty for the immediate arrest of the killers of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the leader of the group, said each of them had agreed to give P50,000 to help authorities bring to justice the gunmen who killed Batocabe and his security escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, in Daraga town, Albay province, on Saturday.

Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. earlier said his group and other House members were working together in putting up a hefty reward for any information that may lead to the capture of the assassins.

Batocabe foundation

Lagman said his group would also provide P350,000, to be equally divided for the families of Batocabe and Diaz, to help the slain lawmaker’s loved ones set up a foundation “to strongly and effectively campaign for the elimination of the culture of violence and impunity.”

“It is hoped that the counterpart amount for the bereaved families, who suffered irreparable loss and inordinate grief, will be augmented by similar contributions from other representatives,” Lagman said.