Batocabe slay: Daraga mayor ordered arrested

MANILA, Philippines — Police have launched a manhunt for Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay, who was ordered arrested over the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his security escort on Dec. 22.

Col. Wilson Asueta, Albay police director, said Legazpi City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Maria Theresa San Juan Loquillano issued the warrants of arrest on Friday. No bail was recommended.

“We have a copy of the arrest warrants for double murder and attempted murder,” Asueta said in a phone interview.

Lt. Col. Rodelon Betita, Daraga police chief, said his men failed to serve the warrants either at the mayor’s office or his residence as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

Baldo reportedly sent feelers to surrender anytime today.

The Bureau of Immigration said there is no record showing that Baldo has left the country.  The BI said the mayor has been on its hold-departure order list since January.

Baldo was identified as the mastermind in the killing of Batocabe by the alleged gunman, Henry Yuson, who surrendered earlier this year. 

Aside from Yuson, Christopher Naval, Baldo’s security aide; Emmanuel Rosillo, Jaywin Babor, Henry Tyson, Rolando Arimado and Danilo Luella were indicted in connection with the killing.

Batocabe and his security escort Orlando Diaz were shot dead after attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens in Barangay Burgos.

The supposed plot to kill Batocabe was hatched in August last year when he announced his plan to run for mayor of Daraga. – With Evelyn Macairan