PNP: Positive development in Rodel Batocabe slay probe

MANILA, Philippines — Probers have gathered information from witnesses in the murder of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Botocabe, police said yesterday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr. said there is a positive development in the case, but did not give details.

“We are progressing positively and pretty soon may magandang balita na mailathala ang pamunuan ng PNP,” Durana told reporters.

An official who spoke on condition of anonymity said two witnesses are under police custody.

When asked for a confirmation, Durana said ”a lot of witnesses surfaced and they are being interviewed.”

Durana said they are confident that the information provided by witnesses would identify the gunman as well as the mastermind.

Batocabe and his bodyguard, Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz, were shot dead after a gift-giving event in Daraga, Albay on Dec. 22.

Chief Superintendent Arnel Escobal, Bicol police director, said probers are looking into the possible involvement of communist rebels aside from politics.

The reward for information on the killers of Batocabe is now P50 million after President Duterte offered P20 million.