OUT ON BAIL Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay province, leaves the court premises in Legazpi City on Wednesday after posting P3-million bail on gun charges. Presiding Judge Maria Theresa San Juan-Loquillano issued the release order, citing his lowered flight risk. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA
MANILA, Philippines – The Legazpi City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 has ordered the arrest of Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo for the murder of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort.
“Meron na[ng warrant] at ang ating mga pulis ay hawak na ito para arestuhin si [Mayor] Baldo,” Brigadier Gen. Arnel Escobal, director of Bicol Region police, confirmed in a text message to INQUIRER.net on Monday.
In a phone interview, Col. Wilson Asueta, Albay provincial police director, said the warrant is for double murder and attempted murder charges against the mayor.
Arresting officers are now tracking down Baldo as of posting time, Asueta said.
On December 22, 2018, Rep. Batocabe and his police escort, SPO2 Orlando Diaz were gunned down during a gift-giving event in a barangay in Daraga.
Batocabe then was contesting the reelection bid of Mayor Baldo.
The PNP said that an investigation tagged Baldo as the alleged mastermind in the murder.
Baldo has denied the allegation.
Batocabe’s widow, Gertrudes took over her husband’s bid in seeking the mayoral post in Daraga. /gsg
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