Albay Rep. and former Gov. Joey Salceda was next in the hit list of political assassins in Albay, claimed a witness in the Daraga, Albay killings that pointed to incumbent Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo as the mastermind.
This was gathered as House officials on Thursday lauded the Philippine National Police for the near solution of the murder of Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his bodyguard, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, following a gift-giving event in a remote Daraga community on Dec. 22.
Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Alfredo Garbin said one of the star witnesses now in police protection has claimed that plans for the killing of Salceda by the same group were being readied to be carried out.
Garbin and the Batocabe family have proposed the issuance of a “watchlist bulletin” by the Department of Justice to monitor Baldo’s travels and prevent flight.
Salceda could not be reached for comment on the reported confessions of the three witnesses who came out as the bounty for the arrest of the mastermind and gunmen ballooned to P50 million.
Baldo has denied any hand in the killings.
Salceda, who served three terms as governor, has reportedly been supporting the candidacy of Daraga Vice Mayor Victor Perete for mayor of the first-class municipality.
Batocabe, who was on his third and final term as congressman, had challenged Baldo and Perete in the 2019 mayoral race in May. Before his death, the partylist lawmaker was reportedly leading poll surveys by a wide margin over his two political rivals.
“The identification of Mayor Baldo only confirms our suspicion since Day One of Congressman Batocabe’s murder,” said Garbin.
According to Garbin, the Batocabe family also shares the belief that Baldo was behind the murder of the well-loved partylist solon.
Baldo has been charged based on the testimony of the three witnesses.
Garbin said no arrest will be made yet since Baldo will be given the benefit of “regular prosecution” process which will include the conduct of preliminary investigation before the Daraga prosecutor’s office.
Apparently, Batocabe has told his family of fears on his safety before his assassination.
House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. (PDP-Laban, Camarines Sur) and House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Rodante Marcoleta (SAGIP partylist) yesterday aired optimism that police probe resulting in the identification of the mastermind will not only put the suspects before the bar of justice, but will also help stop those planning to sow violence in the May mid-term elections.
Andaya said Batocabe is a well-loved congressman who has served his constituents, especially in the Bicol region, with utmost diligence and trust. (Ben Rosario)
