MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for solving “in record time” the killing of AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO2 Orlando Diaz.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde announced on Thursday that investigation pinpointed to Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay as the mastermind of the murder.
“We commend the Philippine National Police led by Police Director General Oscar Albayalde, Police Regional Office 5, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the PNP Intelligence Group for solving the case of the killing of Congressman Rodel Batocabe in record time and for identifying Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo as the mastermind,” Año said in a statement.
The PNP already has in its custody two of the seven suspects in the killing. One suspect became a witness, and the remaining four are still at large.
Año said the breakthrough in the case was due to the “relentless” investigation and intelligence operations of the police. He said the same should be applied in all possible acts of “political terrorism.”
“Let this, therefore, serve as a stern warning against all politicians not to intimidate, harass, or do violence against their political opponents in the forthcoming elections, otherwise the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government)-PNP will run after them and ensure that justice will be served,” he said.
Año said he has also placed the PNP on heightened alert since the second week of December to monitor the activities of all candidates in the 2019 elections.
The DILG is also committed to dismantle private armed groups of politicians and to revoke the permits of the firearms of those found violating the law, Año said. /ee