Daraga mayor returns to work

LEGAZPI CITY – Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay, who was suspended following his arrest for illegal possession of firearms and explosives last month, reassumed his post yesterday after posting bail.

Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Maria Theresa Loquillano issued Baldo’s release order after his lawyers posted bail of P3 million and completed the requirements of the court.

Baldo proceeded to his office at the municipal hall after his release from the Legazpi City police detention cell.

“Sorry, I am not allowed by the court to answer questions and explain matters connected to the complaints I am facing,” Baldo told The STAR when asked for a statement.

Baldo is the alleged mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his escort Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz in Barangay Burgos, Daraga last Dec. 22.

The preliminary investigation of the complaints filed against Baldo in connection with the murder of Batocabe is ongoing.

Baldo was arrested after guns and explosives were reportedly recovered in a raid on his house last Jan. 22.

Anthony Nuyda, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bicol director, said Baldo needs only to inform the Sangguniang Bayan of his intention to return to work to reassume his post.

“There is no need for the DILG to intervene. By operations of law and as provided in the Local Government Code, Mayor Baldo could reassume (his post). The DILG would only intervene if there are issues in his reassumption,” Nuyda said.

Daraga Vice Mayor Victor Perete was named acting mayor while Baldo was under police custody.

Romeo Serrano, Albay election supervisor, said the task force created to oversee Daraga, which was placed under the control of the Comission on Elections in view of Batocabe’s murder, would evaluate the situation.