‘Gunman’ says sorry to Batocabe family

MANILA, Philippines — The alleged gunman behind the murder of AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe has apologized to the lawmaker’s family as he claimed to have only taken orders from Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo.

“Gusto ko mag-sorry sa pamilya ng Batocabe. Napagutusan, nabayaran lang po ako na ipapatay si Cong. Rodel Batocabe ni Mayor Baldo,” said Henry Yuson during a press conference in Camarines Sur on Friday.

Earlier, Yuson – allegedly a former member of the New People’s Army – surrendered to an Army unit in Sorsogon.

READ: Main gunman in Batocabe slay surrenders

According to the suspect, Baldo ordered the killing because he wanted to remain mayor of Daraga City in Albay.

“Ang gusto ni Mayor Baldo na siya pwede maupo sa Daraga na maging mayor kasi may pangako siya sa amin – ang ano namin tuloy-tuloy, ang kabuhayan namin, nagsasahod kami sa kanya,” Yuson said.

But Yuson revealed he did not receive even a peso from Baldo for killing Batocabe.

“Nagso-sorry man po ako sa family ng Batocabe, ako napagutusan lang ako ni Baldo na patayin siya at bayaran ako pero wala po akong nakuha kahit piso,” he said.

On Thursday, the Philippine National Police tagged Baldo as mastermind in the assassination of Batocabe.

READ: PNP: Daraga mayor ordered Batocabe slay

Batocabe and his police escort, SPO2 Orlando Diaz, were gunned down in Barangay Burgos, Daraga City last December 22.  /kga