DOJ files charges versus Baldo, 6 others

Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo. (Photo from CIDG Region 5)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed murder and attempted murder charges against Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay province, and six others for the killing of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort in December last year.

Acting Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon told reporters on Thursday that Baldo and the others were charged with two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder in the Legazpi City Regional Trial Court.

Batocabe and Police Master Sergeant Orlando Diaz, were gunned down at close range during a gift-giving activity at Barangay Burgos in Daraga on Dec. 22.

The 52-year-old lawmaker was seeking the town’s mayoralty in May’s midterm elections.

The Philippine National Police had tagged Baldo as the mastermind after several people involved in the assassination surrendered.

Charged along with Baldo were Christopher Naval, Emmanuel Rosillo, Jaywin Babor, Henry Yuzon, Rolando Arimado and Danilo Luella. Luella was charged as an accomplice. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN