Año: Police has photos that could identify suspects in Botacabe slay

MANILA, Philippines — Police has obtained photos that could possibly identify the gunmen behind the slay of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said Friday.

Año said Bicol Regional Director Chief Superintendent Arnel Escobal told him that some informants have sent several photos that could lead to the identification of the suspects.

The informants were attendees of the gift-giving activity for senior citizens and persons with disability that Botacabe attended when he was killed, Año said.

“Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Arnel Escobal updated me just this morning na mayroon na silang narecover na mga, hindi naman na-recover, volunteered by some attendees of the event some pictures taken na may nakakuha doon sa gunman,” Año said in a press conference.

Año said the photos could be used as a starting point of the investigation.

“Mayroon silang mga pictures na pwede nating pagsimulan ng investigation, maaaring yung mga nandoon ay suspects,” he said.

The DILG chief is optimistic that authorities would soon identify those responsible for Batocabe’s death.

“I am very positive na sooner maa-identify natin yung mastermind and ma-lolocate natin yung gunmen. Hindi sila makakatakas sa saligang batas,” he said.

Botacabe was shot and killed by gunmen last Saturday afternoon.

The 52-year-old lawmaker was gunning for mayorship of Daraga town in the 2019 midterm polls.

READ: Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, police escort killed in Albay

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said investigators have at least six persons of interest in the killing of Botacabe.   /muf

READ: PNP lists 6 persons of interest in Batocabe assassination