PNP chief says Daraga mayor will get his day in court

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde presents on Thursday, January 3, 2019, the link diagram of the suspects in the killing of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe. PHOTO by Cathrine Gonzales / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — “He will have his time in court. He will be given due process I’m sure.”

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said this on Friday after Daraga City Mayor Carlwyn Baldo denied allegations that he orchestrated the murder of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

On Friday, Baldo said he did not order the deaths of Batocabe and escort Orlando Diaz after the PNP filed cases of double murder and multiple frustrated homicide against him.

“I did not order the deaths of anyone. I did not kill Cong. Batocabe and SPO2 Diaz,” Baldo said.

READ: Daraga mayor: I did not kill Batocabe, SPO2 Diaz

READ: Murder raps filed vs Daraga mayor over Batocabe slay

Albayalde said no one will admit to a serious crime such as murder.

“Walang a-admit sa isang krimen (No one will admit to a crime) especially with this kind of seriousness. This is serious offense. Remember murder is without bail, double murder at that and six counts of frustrated murder,” Albayalde said during a press conference in Camarines Sur.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año echoed Albayalde, saying the evidence was strong against the mayor and that “denial” is not a “ground for good defense.”

“Napaka-strong ng evidence  against the mayor nakikita naman ninyo ang mayor yung kanyang denial is not a ground for good defense so korte na bahala diyan but the evidence is very strong,” Año said during the press briefing.

(The evidence is strong against the mayor. His denial is not a ground for good defense so the court will take care of that, but the evidence is very strong.)  /ee