Widow of slain Rodel Batocabe to substitute in Daraga mayoral race 

MANILA, Philippines — The widow of slain Ako-Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe announced  Friday that she will be substituting for her husband in the 2019 midterm elections for mayor of Daraga, Albay.

"Yes, ready to be a #partnerforchange for our hometown of Daraga!" Gertrudes Duran-Batocabe said in her Facebook post.

Batocabe was murdered in broad daylight on December 22, 2018 while attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens. His security aide was also killed in the shooting

READ: AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Batocabe, aide shot dead in Albay

She posted the announcement Friday morning with photos of a visit to President Rodrigo Duterte and other cabinet members at Malacañang Palace. 

Authorities arrested Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, the prime suspect in the killing of Rep. Rodel Batocabe on charges of illegal firearms possession. 

READ: Daraga mayor tagged in Batocabe slay arrested for illegal firearms possession

In January, Ronald Ang, a nominee of Ako Bicol party-list, took his oath to replace Batocabe in Congress.

Duran-Batocabe told reporters on Friday that she was convinced to run by the president so that her husbands death would not be in vain. — Ryan Macasero