MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay is facing murder charges for allegedly ordering the killing of Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe.
Cases of Double Murder and Multiple Frustrated Homicide were filed in Albay against Baldo and six others, said the Philippine National Police.
Batocabe and his police aide were gunned down outside a covered court in Barangay Burgos last December 22, after attending a charity event. Both were rushed to the hospital but were eventually declared dead.
The slain lawmaker was on his last term as Ako Bicol Representative, and was poised to run for Daraga’s mayoralty in the May 2019 elections. He was set to challenge Baldo, who is seeking re-election, and Daraga Vice Mayor Victor Perete.
Earlier, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde identified Baldo as the alleged mastermind of the killing. Baldo previously denied accusations, asking people to avoid a “trial by publicity.” /muf
READ: PNP: Daraga mayor is Batocabe slay ‘mastermind’
READ: Batocabe widow: I am being asked to run in my husband’s place