CAMP OLA, Albay – Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe was gunned down by unidentified assailants while leaving a gift giving activity for senior citizens and persons with disabilities at the covered court in Barangay Burgos, Daraga, Albay at around 3 p.m. Saturday.
Senior Insp. Mayvell Gonzales, spokesperson of the Albay Police Provincial Office, said Batocabe’s police escort SPO1 Orlando Diaz was also killed in the gun attack.
“Allegedly, paalis na sa venue ang biktima at pasakay na sa kanyang service ng siya ay binaril. Sumabay sa mga tao ang suspects pero inaalam pa natin kung naka-motor yung suspect o suspects,” Gonzales said.
Batocabe sustained eight bullet wounds in the body, according to Gonzales.
“Walo po ang tama lahat sa kanyang katawan. ‘Yung motive di pa po ma-establish,” she said.
Batocabe, 52, and a mayoral candidate of Daraga, and Diaz were taken to a hospital in Legazpi City but were declared dead on arrival.
Investigation and pursuit operations against the gunmen are ongoing.
Batocabe is the vice chairperson of the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Good Government and Public Accountability, and Natural Resources.
The slain lawmaker is known to go around the province giving away gifts without a bodyguard. (Nino Luces)