The mayor of Daraga, Albay resurfaced today after a warrant of arrest was released against him in connection to his alleged role in the killing of Congressman Rodel Batocabe of AKO BICOL Party List.
Mayor Carlwyn Baldo voluntarily surrendered before the Regional Trial Court Branch 10 in Legazpi City today.
Baldo is allegedly the mastermind behind the killing of Batocabe, who was supposed to run against him for mayor in next week’s elections. Batocabe and his security escort Orlando Diaz were killed by two bonnet-wearing gunmen when they attended a gift-giving activity for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the village of Burgos in Daraga at around 3pm on Dec. 22, reported Rappler.
Both men were declared dead on arrival when they were rushed to AMEC Hospital in Legazpi City, Albay.
Baldo has denied any involvement with Batocabe’s killing. He appeared at the court at around 8:30am today, accompanied by his lawyer and members of his family, reported SunStar Manila.
Judge Maria Theresa San Juan Loquillano prohibited anyone from taking pictures of Baldo during his surrender. He was then detained at the Legazpi City District Jail after appearing in court. His arraignment is set for May 30.
On Monday, members of the police searched for Baldo in his home in the village of Tagas Daraga to serve him the warrant of arrest but he couldn’t be found, reported ABS-CBN News.
The mayor was arrested and imprisoned in January after authorities allegedly found unlicensed firearms inside his residence. However, he was granted bail in February after prosecutors failed to file a case against him.
Despite his legal woes, Baldo is still running against Batocabe’s widow, Gertie Duran-Batacobe for Daraga’s mayoral post.
