Albay town police chief axed over party-list lawmaker’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — The police chief of Daraga town in Albay was sacked yesterday following the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his bodyguard.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said the relief of Supt. Benito Dipad Jr. is part of the investigation to determine if there were lapses in security.

Supt. Dennis Balla replaced Dipad as Daraga police chief.

“It’s standard operating procedure when there is an incident like this, and at the same time, there was a directive from the chief PNP,” Bicol region police director Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal explained.

Batocabe and his bodyguard,  Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz, were gunned down as they were about to ride their vehicle after a gift-giving event for senior citizens in Barangay Burgos on Saturday.

Initial reports said there were at least two gunmen wearing ski masks who approached the victims and shot them repeatedly at close range.

Albayalde ordered the creation of a special investigation task group that will mobilize all available resources to ensure that the suspects are?arrested.

“We appeal to the public to immediately report to the police any information that could lead us to the perpetrators and to help us quickly solve this case,” he said. Albayalde condemned the shooting and vowed justice for the victims’ families. Seven elderly people were also injured in the incident from stray bullets and the ensuing commotion. They were identified as Ellen Mansos, Marina Mediavillo, Florencita Mendiones, Haydie Llorca, Gregorio Mediavillo, Jesus Medes and Nelia Millena.

Escobal said their initial investigation showed at least six people participated in the attack, based on the testimonies of several witnesses. “We are investigating who among the suspects are the gunmen,” he said, and that politics was being eyed as a possible motive in the killing of Batocabe. According to Escobal, he was able to talk to Batocabe about two weeks ago regarding security concerns as he was about to go around town in time for Christmas.

Batocabe was to run for Daraga mayor next May, against at least two other candidates – incumbent Carlwun Baldo and Vice Mayor Victor Perete.

Election hotspot

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to help the police in the investigation into the killing of Batocabe and Diaz.

Guevarra agreed with the initial observations by the police.

“Initial investigation by NBI agents suggests that the attack was likely politically motivated. A thorough inspection of the crime scene will be conducted soon in coordination with the PNP,” Guevarra said. For his part, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año ordered the PNP to beef up security across the country in the wake of the killing of Batocabe.

Año directed the PNP to step up security measures in areas where election-related violent incidents usually occur.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will look into the killing of Batocabe and decide if there is a need to declare Albay as an election hotspot.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said members of the seven-man poll body are expected to meet and discuss the killing of Batocabe and whether to declare Albay as election hotspot.

“I really can’t say what the en banc will do at this point. I can assure you though that this matter (declaration of Albay as election hotspot) will be brought up before the en banc at the earliest possible opportunity,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez said the Comelec will coordinate closely with police concerning the slaying of Batocabe.

Sen. Nancy Binay earlier called on the Comelec to declare Albay as a hotspot following the killing of Batocabe.

Malacañang condemned the “senseless” killing of Batocabe.

“We denounce the senseless killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“Proper authorities are now investigating this brazen murder as we vow to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this felonious act to justice,” Panelo said.

Vice President Leni Robredo has called for swift justice in the death of Batocabe, adding that such a brazen crime “must not be the new normal.” “But beyond my personal grief at his passing, is the growing rage at yet another brazen murder, committed in broad daylight, in the middle of a crowd. This cannot, and must not be the new normal; when Filipinos, young and old, rich and poor, are gunned down in cold blood as a matter of course, and where none of us can feel safe. This impunity must end,” Robredo said.

A fellow Bicolano, Batocabe was also Robredo’s batchmate in the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and a colleague in the 16th Congress.

She described the 52-year-old lawmaker as “smart and eloquent, witty and cheerful, a person who lived life to the fullest.”

“He will be missed, both for his service and his friendship,” Robredo said.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the killing of Batocabe highlighted the ongoing trend of violence and killing even during the holiday season.

“It is alarming that the trend of killings continues despite the holiday season. However, regardless of season or motivation, the government must not allow such transgressions against human rights to happen,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said.

“We urge the government to apply increased vigilance, especially that there are allegations linking the killing to the upcoming (May 10) elections,” De Guia said.

She said the CHR regional office is also investigating the killing of Batocabe. – With Helen Flores, Edith Regalado, Rainier Allan Ronda, Mayen Jaymalin, Edu Punay