MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:50 p.m.) — Rep. Rodel Batocabe (AKO Bicol party-list) and his aide were shot dead Saturday afternoon.
Batocabe — who was running for mayor of Daraga, Albay in the 2019 midterm elections and was serving his last term as a congressman — was rushed to the hospital with his escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, but the two were pronounced dead on arrival.
Police say Batocabe and Diaz were attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens and PWDs in Brgy. Burgos, Daraga, Albay at around 3 p.m. when the killing happened.
Palace vows justice
Malacañang vowed that no stone would be left unturned in bringing perpetrators to justice.
"We denounce the senseless killing of Ako Bicol Rep Rodel Batocabe in Albay this afternoon," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
He added that proper authorities are now investigating the murder.
Panelo also extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Batocabe.