‘Personal rift’ prompted suspect to turn against mayor in Batocabe slay

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — A suspect-turned-witness in AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe’s slay came forward and spilled his knowledge on the assassination plot after Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo refused to lend him money.

This was disclosed by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde in an interview with DZMM on Friday.

Albayalde said Emmanuel Judavar, alias “Jude,” was on Baldo’s side, and was among those who plotted the assassination of Batocabe back in August 2018.

“Dati pong na kay mayor ‘yan. At ‘yan po ang unang nakausap ni mayor din noong August pa na pinlano na pala itong si Congressman Batocabe,” Albayalde said.

The PNP chief said Judavar backed out from the group when the plot was about to be carried out because of a personal rift between him and Baldo.

“Kumalas sa grupo dahil nga po nagkaroon sila ng problemang personal ng mayor,” Albayalde said.

He further narrated, “Humihingi lang siya ng maliit na halaga kay mayor at hindi siya napagbigyan, dahil may sakit yata itong anak o itong asawa niya. Doon po sumama ang kanyang loob kay mayor.”

Judavar alongside two other suspects, Christopher Naval and Emmanuel Rosello, are already in police custody.

Meanwhile, the alleged main gunman, Henry Yuson, surrendered to authorities on Thursday. /kga