Duterte raises bounty for solon’s killers to P50M

President Rodrigo Duterte (center, left) talks to media and says that he shares the grief of Gertie Duran-Batocabe (wearing white) and the children left by slain Ako Bicol Congressman Rodel Batocabe. PHOTO BY REY ANTHONY OSTRIA

DARAGA, Albay, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte raised the bounty for the killers of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe during his visit to the slain lawmaker’s wake in this city Wednesday evening.

Duterte paid his last respects to Batocabe, who was running for mayor in this town when he was shot and killed while leaving a gift-giving activity in Barangay (village) Burgos on Saturday.

The President arrived at 8:54 p.m. and talked to the Batocabe family at the Bicol University Daraga Campus, where the slain congressman’s remains lie in state.

“The reward is, at this time, at P30 million. I’m raising the ante. I’m putting at plus P20 (million) to P50 million,” Duterte said to the press after a dialogue with the family.

He added, “Ang sabihin mo tip lang. Isang tip lang. ‘Wag mong ibulgar. ‘Wag kang magbigay ng pangalan (Just give a tip. Just one top. You don’t have to say or give a name),” Duterte said to the press after a dialogue with the family.

He said that those willing to send a tip can just buy a cheap cellphone without identifying their names and “when the time comes, if many will claim, just show (your phone).” /cbb