Court orders arrest of Albay mayor for 2 counts of murder

Former Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol (AKB) Representative Rodel Batocabe, walks out of the Legazpi City Jail in Legazpi City, after the Regional Trial Court granted his petition for bail. George Gio Brondial/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON

LIGAO CITY – The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in National Capital Region (NCR) has ordered the arrest of Daraga town Mayor Carlwyn Go Baldo over 2018 killing of former Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police aide, Master Sergeant Orlando Diaz.

The warrant of arrest, signed by Acerey Pacheco, acting presiding judge of Branch 3 RTC, dated Wednesday, Aug. 21, was for Baldo’s alleged involvement in the murder of the Batocabe and Diaz in December 2018 during a Christmas event in Daraga, Albay.

No bail has been recommended for the charge of two counts of murder.

READ: Solons welcome identification of mastermind in Batocabe slay

However, Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, Bicol police chief, told the Inquirer in a phone interview on Thursday, Aug. 22, that Baldo was not found by the arresting team in his residence in Barangay (village) Tagas, Daraga.

“The serving of the arrest warrant turned out negative because the mayor was not around,” Dizon said.

He added that it is best for Baldo to “surrender so he can defend himself” against the charges filed against him.

“It’s difficult for him to remain in hiding, as the warrant of arrest has no expiry date,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Inquirer attempted to contact Baldo for comment but the mayor was unreachable by phone.