The murder trial of ex-Daraga, Albay mayor Carlwyn Baldo over the killing of Ako Bicol party list Rep. Rodel Batocabe will be transferred from Legazpi City to Metro Manila.
In its Nov.27 order released on Thursday, the high court’s Second Division allowed the petition of Batocabe’s family to have the trial transferred to anywhere in Metro Manila.
The family told the high court they feared for their witnesses’ safety should the trial continue anywhere in the Bicol region, as Baldo has been released on bail.
Baldo and five others were charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of Batocabe and Police Senior Master Sergeant Orlando Diaz on Dec. 22, 2018.
The Supreme Court acknowledged that the parties involved are “influential politicians” in Bicol.
“Although there was no proof that accused Baldo would threaten them and there is the undisputable fact that the prosecution was able to freely present its witness during the bail hearings, the fact remains that there is now an apprehension or fear on the part of the private complainants,” the court said.