Batocabe family happy with Baldo’s surrender

LEGAZPI CITY -– The family of the late Ako Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe is happy with the surrender of Daraga mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who was tagged as the mastermind in the lawmaker’s killing last December.

“We are very happy and grateful to the police, prosecutors and the RTC (Regional Trial Court) for their hard work in putting Mr. Baldo behind bars,” said Justin, son of Batocabe.

Baldo, who is wanted for double murder and six counts of attempted murder, has surrendered at the RTC here on Friday morning after police failed to serve his warrant of arrest on Monday.

He was accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Batocabe and his police security aide, SPO2 Orlando Diaz, after a gift-giving ceremony in Barangay (village) Burgos in Daraga on December 22.

Batocabe was supposed to run against Baldo as mayor of Daraga, along with Daraga Vice Mayor Victor Perete.

Batocabe was replaced by his wife Gertrudes who is now seeking the mayoral post.

Justin said that although Baldo surrendered, “this does not hide the fact that he evaded capture for five days.”

“We think our case against him is strong and his evasion adds strength to that as flight is an indication of guilt,” he added. (Editor: Leti Z. Boniol)