Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who is facing charges for the killing of Ako Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe, has sought the transfer of his case from Legaspi City to Manila due to threats on his life.
“I am asking authorities especially our judicial authorities to hear me out and consider my proposal to change venue of the trial from Bicol to Manila,” he said in a statement.
Baldo explained “intelligence reports indicate that there are several people who wants me dead.”
Acting Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, meanwhile, said Baldo has already sought the inhibition of the judge of Legaspi Regional Trial Court (RTC) handling the case.
Earlier, the RTC turned down Baldo’s motion to have the case remanded back to Camarines Sur Provincial Prosecutor’s Office since the latter has not yet resolved his motion for reconsideration.
The Camarines Sur Provincial Prosecutor’s Office filed the case before the RTC after finding probable cause to indict Baldo with double murder and six counts of attempted murder.
Also charged with Batocabe were Christopher Naval, Emmanuel Roselle, Jaywin Babor, Henry Yuson, and Rolando Arimado. Also charged as accomplice was Danilo Luella.
Batocabe was a member of the committees on dangerous drugs, health, energy, tourism, and good government at the House of Representatives.
He filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor in his hometown, Daraga, in this year’s elections.
Batocabe and his security escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, were shot dead last December 22 when they were about to board their vehicle. He had just attended a gift-giving event for seniors in Barangay Burgos in Daraga town. (Jeffrey Damicog)
