DOJ: Usec not behind mayor’s indictment over Batocabe murder

The Department of Justice yesterday denied the allegation of Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay that a DOJ official was behind the filing of charges against him over the killing of Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Baldo’s claim that DOJ Undersecretary and spokesman Mark Perete interfered in the resolution of the case was “totally unfounded.”

“Usec. Perete has no involvement whatsoever in the operations of the prosecution service, which is under the supervision of another undersecretary,” Guevarra said.

“His being a relative of Daraga Vice Mayor (Victor) Perete is purely accidental. He has never talked about Mayor Baldo’s cases with anyone, much less with the investigating panel. Usec. Perete is one of the most honest and respected officials of the DOJ,” Guevarra added.

The Daraga vice mayor is running against Baldo in the May elections.

The DOJ filed two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder against Baldo before the Legazpi City regional trial court.

Also charged were the alleged gunman, Henry Yuson; Christopher Naval, Baldo’s security aide; Emmanuel Rosillo, Jaywin Babor, Henry Tyson and Rolando Arimado.

Danilo Luella was charged as an accomplice.

Batocabe and his security escort Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz were shot dead after attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens in Barangay Burgos on Dec. 22.