PNP chief urges Daraga mayor Baldo to surrender

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday urged Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo to surrender to authorities, after the Legazpi Regional Trial Court Branch 10 earlier released an arrest warrant against him.

“[Him surrendering is] better para less hassle. Better kung sumuko na lang si Mayor. Anyway, he will have his day in court,” Albayalde said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

READ: Batocabe slay case: Daraga mayor Baldo ordered arrested

Officers of the Albay Provincial Police Office received on Monday a copy of the warrant of arrest of Baldo on double-murder and attempted murder charges filed against him.

Baldo was tagged in the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his security escort,  Police Senior Master Sergeant Orlando Diaz and the wounding of several others during a gift-giving event in Daraga on December 22.

Baldo vehemently denied being the brains behind the attack.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Police Brig. Gen. Arnel Escobal, Bicol regional police director, said he received information that Baldo was planning to surrender to authorities.

“Hinahanap na siya ng mga pulis natin para arestuhin (The police are now hunting him down to arrest him),” Escobal said. /gsg