Mayor Baldo to Duterte: ‘I need help’

Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo (Photo from his Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo has asked President Rodrigo Duterte for help after being tagged as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

“Mensahe ko po kay Mr. President, Humihingi po ako ng tulong sa patas at hustisya… na kung ano man po ang mga inaakusahan sa akin haharapin ko po ito ng buong buo,” Baldo said in a press conference on Friday.

Baldo was also identified as the alleged brains behind the killing of Daraga’s ex-mayor Gerry Jaucian.

This was revealed by Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, director of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), who cited the testimony of Emmanuel Judavar, a witness in Batocabe’s murder case.

Corpus said Baldo allegedly offered P350,000 to a group of gunmen to kill the Jaucian.

READ: Batocabe slay witness: Baldo also ordered killing of ex-Daraga mayor for P350K 

Meanwhile, Baldo also hoped for the safety of his family amid the allegations against him.

“Ang hinihiling ko rin po ay sana, ‘wag po malagay sa alanganin ang buhay ng aking pamilya,” he said.

Baldo also thanked his supporters who continued on believing his innocence.

“Siyempre, nagpapasalamat ako sa mga taong sumusuporta sa’kin at naniniwala na wala akong kinalaman sa mga inaakusahan sa akin,” he said.