PNP: No surrender feelers from Daraga mayor

LEGAZPI CITY – Contrary to earlier reports, the Albay police said it has not received surrender feelers from Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who is wanted for the murder of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

“We have yet to receive any information about such surrender feelers,” Col. Wilson Asueta, Albay police director, said yesterday.

Asueta said pursuit operations are ongoing  after Legazpi City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Maria Theresa Loquillano issued warrants of arrest for double murder and attempted murder on Monday. No bail was recommended.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Baldo should just surrender.

“Better kung sumuko na lang si Mayor. Anyway, he will have his day in court,” Albayalde said.

Baldo’s lead counsel Lovensky Fernandez said the mayor might surrender anytime soon.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office in Bicol gave Baldo four days to surface for the turnover of his post.

“Should Mayor Baldo fail to show up after the deadline, Vice Mayor (Victor) Perete will automatically assume as acting mayor,” DILG-Bicol director Anthony Nuyda said.

Baldo is tagged as the mastermind in the killing of Batocabe and his security escort M/Sgt. Orlando Diaz in Barangay Burgos on Dec. 22.

The mayor is also facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives after two caliber .45 pistols with eight bullets and ammunition for an M203 grenade launcher and a rifle were reportedly recovered during a raid on his house in Barangay Tagas in January. – With Emmanuel Tupas