CIDG files raps vs Daraga mayor over Batocabe slay

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed an administrative complaint against Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay before the Office of the Ombudsman over the killing of Ako Bikol party-list congressman Rodel Batocabe.

In a letter dated Jan. 11, the CIDG said Baldo should be held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for keeping ”ghost employees” whom he allegedly used to kill Batocabe.

“We based our... complaints on the criminal charges filed against Baldo in Albay,” CIDG director Chief Superintendent Amador Corpus said.

Baldo and his bodyguard Senior Police Officer 2 Rolando Diaz were shot dead during a gift-giving activity for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Barangay Burgos, Daraga on Dec. 22.

A witness and six suspects tagged Baldo as the mastermind.

The alleged gunman, Henry Yuson, who surrendered earlier this month, claimed he was recently hired as Baldo’s security officer.

Yuson told police he was offered P5 million to have Batocabe assassinated so Baldo could keep his post. He claimed the plot was hatched after Batocabe announced that he would run for mayor of Daraga.

Baldo has denied ordering the killing of Batocabe.