3 suspects in Batocabe slay want to turn state witnesses — Albayalde

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspects in the killing of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO2 Orlando Diaz have applied for inclusion in the government’s witness protection program, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said on Wednesday.

The three suspects whose identities are unavailable as of this posting, are among the six suspects allegedly hired by Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo to murder Batocabe and Diaz.

“That depends on the court kung pagbibigyan po sila [to be placed under the program] (That depends on the court if it will allow them to be placed under the program),” Albayalde said in a media forum on Wednesday.

Albayalde said the recommendation of the PNP on whether the suspects can be placed under the witness protection program will depend on the degree of their involvement in Batocabe’s killing.

All six suspects in the killing are now under police custody. Baldo, the alleged mastermind, was arrested on Tuesday after police found unlicensed firearms and ammunition in the compound of his residence.

Baldo was later sent to the hospital after his blood pressure shot up inside his detention cell. /muf