DOJ places Batocabe slay suspects under immigration lookout

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice on Tuesday placed the persons of interest in the slay case of Rep. Rodel Batocabe (AKO Bicol party-list) under the immigration’s lookout bulletin.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete told reporters that nine subjects have been placed under the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order:

• Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo
• Emmanuel Rosillo
• Jaywin Babor
• Danilo Muella
• Henry Yuzon
• Gilbert Concepcion
• Agaton Concepcion
• Christopher Cabrera Naval
• Emmanuel Judavar

Police had filed double murder and frustrated murder complaints against Baldo and the other suspects before the Albay provincial prosecutor’s office.

The police said that six suspects in the killing of Batocabe and his police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz are already in their custody.

They pointed to Baldo as the final “piece of the puzzle” in their investigation into the slay case.

Batocabe was a candidate for mayor of Daraga.

Suspected main gunman Yuzon surrendered to authorities on January 4. Arimado and Muella surrendered a day later.

DOJ: ILBO only for monitoring

Perete also stressed that the new department order on the specific case only “intended to monitor the entry and exit of its subjects.”

The Supreme Court earlier struck down with finality former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's authorization of Watch List Orders, which allows the justice chief to bar suspects and personalities facing charges from leaving the country.

The WLO has the same effect as a Hold Departure Order that only courts could issue.

READ: DOJ welcomes SC nod on Precautionary Hold Departure Orders

The SC, instead, approved a Rule on Precautionary HDO that allows trial courts to issue a travel ban against personalities charged from leaving the country.

A prosecutor may apply for the PHDO before any regional court within the territorial jurisdiction the alleged crime was committed.