Albay mayor nabbed over 2018 murder of political rival

MAYOR Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay was arrested yesterday over the 2018 murder of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort.

Operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) nabbed Baldo in Camalig, Albay on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by a Manila City court.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said CIDG operatives initially went to serve the arrest warrant against Baldo at his address in Daraga last August 22.

“He was not found in his address (in Daraga),” said Francisco.

Last Monday night, Francisco said Baldo was sighted in Camalig, leading to the conduct of the police operation that led to Baldo’s arrest at around 12:45 a.m.

Baldo reportedly masterminded the killing of Batocabe and his escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, in December 2018 because Batocabe was planning to run against him for Daraga mayor in the 2019 elections.

“He is the principal accused in the killing of Congressman Batocabe,” said Francisco, adding Baldo was the mastermind based on the result of their investigation.

Francisco said there are five other suspects in the killing of Batocabe and Diaz.

“There are still five accused and I am getting the update on the whereabouts of these other accused from the CIDG Albay,” Francisco said.

Baldo was arrested in January 2019 in Daraga for the same case but was released after posting a P3 million bail.

Francisco said the court issued the arrest warrant against Baldo last August 21.