Baldo ‘confident’ with mayoralty bid despite murder case

Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo. (Photo from his Facebook account)

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay on Monday said his constituents believed his innocence in the murder of former Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, making him confident about his mayoralty run in the 2019 midterm elections.

According to Baldo, who is seeking reelection as Daraga mayor, an independent survey conducted in his city showed that 85 percent of the respondents expressed support towards his candidacy.

“The case will have no effect with my reelection since the people of Daraga believe that I am innocent,” Baldo said in Filipino in an interview over AM radio station DZMM. “This is why I am confident with my mayorship bid this election.”

Aside from Baldo, two other politicians are seeking to be elected as Daraga mayor — incumbent Vice Mayor Victor Parete and Gertie Batocabe, wife of the slain House representative.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier indicted Baldo and six other suspected hit men for the murder of Batocabe and his police escort, Orlando Diaz, on Dec. 22, 2018.

Baldo insisted, however, on his innocence, adding that several bits of physical evidence presented did not gibe with the statements of the self-confessed gunmen.

/atm