PNP ‘confident’ of solving Batocabe slay case ‘anytime soon’

MANILA, Philippines — Investigators are confident of solving the killing of AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort anytime soon, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said on Thursday.

Durana earlier said the police already have been interviewing witnesses who can give information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects in the murder.

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

“May mga witnesses naman na nagbibigay ng kanilang mga impormasyon at iyon po at pi-nrocess po ng ating mga imbestigador,” Durana told Radyo Inquirer.

(There are witnesses who give information and it was processed by our investigators.)

“According to them since yesterday, sabi po nila (they said) they are quite confident that they will be able to solve the killing of Congressman Batocabe anytime soon.” he said.

Batocabe and his police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz were gunned down at a gift-giving activity for senior citizens and persons with disability on December 22 — his wedding anniversary.

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

READ: Rep. Rodel Batocabe was killed on his wedding anniversary

A special investigation task group was earlier created to solve the crime.

Durana said investigators have already secured “positive leads” on solving the murder. He said this development will be announced by PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde in a press conference this morning at Camp Crame in Quezon City. /muf