Duterte assures safety of Batocabe’s widow in Daraga mayoral race

MANILA, Philippines – Lawyer Justin Batocabe, son of slain Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe on Friday said that President Rodrigo Duterte assured the safety of his mother, who will join the Daraga, Albay mayoral race.

“At nagtapang loob po… Pagka’t inassure ng ating Presidente ang seguridad ng aking ina at kapwang Darageno at nagtapang loob ang aking ina at sinabi niya doon na siya na po ang magpapatuloy ng laban ng aking ama,” Justin said over local radio station DZRH.

(I was assured by President Duterte that my mother and the people of Daraga will be safe, and my mother vowed to continue the crusade of my father.)

This slain lawmaker’s widow, Gertrudes Duran-Batocabe, earlier announced that she is ready to take over from her husband as Daraga mayoral candidate after  meeting with Duterte and other  government officials.

READ: With Duterte’s push, Batocabe widow ‘ready’ to run as Daraga mayor

Justin added that her mother will be submitting documents to Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Daraga to formalize her candidacy.

“We will submit [documents]. Okay naman po kahit yung Comelec Daraga natimbrehan na po. ‘Yun na lang formality na lang,” Justin said.  / gsg