Several witnesses in Batocabe slay now being interviewed by police — Durana

MANILA, Philippines — Several witnesses in the killing of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz have come forward and are now being interviewed by the police.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. confirmed this to reporters on Wednesday, but said he is not privy to other information on the investigation.

“There are a lot of witnesses that came in at sila po ay ini-interview ngayon. Let’s see if out of these witnesses we can get [the identity of the] suspects. Ongoing ‘yung investigation,” he said.

(There are a lot of witnesses that came in and they are being interviewed now. Let’s see if out of these witnesses we can get suspects. The investigation is ongoing.)

A P50 million cash reward is set for witnesses who can give information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.

Durana said the police is “progressing positively” and will announce the development of the case “pretty soon.”

“All witnesses, their testimonies can shed light into the case and that it may or may not give us a positive lead that will lead us to the perpetrators including the mastermind,” he said.

Durana also said he is “not privy” if the investigation showed the killing is politically-motivated, although PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde earlier said the investigation leans on politics as motive for the killing.  /muf