Suarez to PNP: Step-up Batocabe slay probe
MANILA, Philippines — House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez on Thursday called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies to step-up on its investigations on the murder of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe at a remote village in Daraga town, Albay province, last Saturday.
Although Suarez pointed out that politics may be a prime motive in the assassination of Batocabe, a third-termer lawmaker, he said investigations should be done by proper authorities.
“In any criminal action, there is always an answer. It’s the motive. Lahat naman ng krimen kung sino ang may motive, kung sino ang makikinabang. But we have to let the proper authorities to conduct their investigations,” the Quezon 3rd District congressman said in a press conference.
“According to Congressman Pido (Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.) he’s (Batocabe) leading the survey, so you’re a political threat to the career of the mayor. Kung hindi ka nya matatalo, baka, I mean, you know, that’s why there’s such a thing as motive. Sino’ng makikinabang kung mamatay si Congressman Batocabe?” he asked.
Batocabe, who was set to run as Mayor in Daraga, Albay in the coming 2019 elections, was also a member of the Suarez-led Minority group.
Suarez stressed that “there is no place for violence in the exercise of suffrage and democracy,” and that the Minority “calls for an honest and violence-free election.”
Article continues after this advertisement“We call on the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to hasten its investigation so that the perpetrator of this unspeakable crime be brought to justice…,” the Minority leader said.
Article continues after this advertisement“In memory of Congressman Rodel Batocabe, who died a true public servant, the Minority calls for an honest, and violence-free election,” he added.
PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said they have “no substantial evidence yet” on reports linking a local official to the killing of Batocabe and his police aide, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, after they emerged from a gift-giving event for senior citizens at Barangay Burgos in Daraga.
“But we are not discounting the possibility. He is not totally off the hook in this case,” he added.
READ: PNP lists 6 persons of interest in Batocabe assassination
Batocabe’s widow, Gertie Duran-Batocabe, meanwhile ruled out the possibility that the New People’s Army (NPA) was behind the attack on her husband. /muf
