Police lauded for ‘early, swift’ findings in Batocabe slay

MALACAÑANG on Thursday, January 3, hailed the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its “early and swift” resolution of the murder of Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo lauded the PNP’S efforts to ensure prompt conclusion of the investigation into Batocabe’s case.

“This is a breakthrough in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families,” the Palace official said.

“Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, together with all others tagged as suspects of the aforesaid murder, will have their day in court where they can refute the charges hurled against them,” he added.

Panelo said the government would prosecute Baldo and other suspects for the heinous crime “without delay.”

He assured that the accused, who are afforded the Constitutional presumption of innocence, would be accorded due process.

“We stress the need of mutual cooperation and support between the PNP and the local community in suppressing, as well as solving acts of lawlessness and other commission of crimes. The early solution of the Batocabe murder is the result of this partnership – and credit should be given to them,” he said.

“We call on the citizens to be always on the alert and watchful on any activities and/or acts committed by persons which have the appearance of unlawfulness or irregularity amounting to a crime – and report the same to the proper authorities,” Panelo added.

In a press conference earlier Thursday, PNP Director General Oscar Abayalde tagged Baldo as the mastermind behind the killing of Batocabe, who was gunning for mayoral post of the said municipality in Albay.

Albayalde claimed that Baldo allegedly hired gunmen and offered P5 million to assassinate Batocabe.

Batocabe, 52, was distributing Christmas gifts in his hometown in Daraga, Albay on December 22 when he and his police escort, Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Orlando Diaz, were shot and killed./sunstar Philippines