Ex-Daraga mayor tagged in Batocabe slay freed

MANILA, Philippines — A court in Legazpi City has ordered the release of former mayor Carlwin Baldo of Daraga, Albay, the alleged mastermind in the murder of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police aide in December.

Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Maria Therese San Juan-Loquillano reportedly isssued Baldo’s release order on Friday as she recommended bail of P3 million.

Batocabe’s family and Ako Bicol condemned the order.

“Murder is a non-bailable crime, yet with one stroke of a pen, this judge revisits to the families of the victims the pain of losing their loved ones,” Ako Bicol said in a statement.

“Bicolanos are shocked that the Legazpi City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 has ordered the release on bail of Baldo despite no less than all the accused conspirators pointing to him as the mastermind of the killing. We cannot fathom how the judge could have made such a ruling when the evidence is overwhelming against Baldo,” it said.

Ako Bicol said witnesses have “spontaneously and separately identified” Baldo as the mastermind, adding that the evidence gathered by the police points to him.

“There is enough evidence to convict and definitely more than enough to deny bail,” it said.

‘Legal gymnastics’

Ako Bicol said some “legal gymnastics” were made to ignore the direct testimony and spontaneous declarations of the witnesses.

“This ruling is not only an injustice to the memory of Cong. Rodel, but is a chilling reminder that justice is difficult to obtain and that crime does pay,” it said.

Ako Bicol said the judge should reconsider her decision to free Baldo “so that justice may ultimately prevail.”

Loquillano is the same judge who issued the warrants of arrest against Baldo and his co-accused. No bail was recommended.

The alleged gunman, Henry Yuson, who surrendered earlier this year, identified Baldo as the mastermind.

Aside from Yuson, Christopher Naval, Baldo’s security aide; Emmanuel Rosillo, Jaywin Babor, Henry Tyson, Rolando Arimado and Danilo Luella were indicted for double murder and attempted murder.

Batocabe and his security escort Orlando Diaz were shot dead after attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens in Barangay Burgos.

The supposed plot to kill Batocabe was hatched in August last year when he announced his plan to run for mayor of Daraga. – With Cet Dematera