NAGA CITY – Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, tagged by three witnesses as the mastermind in the killings of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his security escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, on Thursday denied any involvement in the pre-Christmas murders in his town.
In a statement, Baldo said that by accusing him of having a hand in the twin murders, “a great injustice” has been committed to the two victims and their families and his constituents.
“I assert my innocence. Let us not forget that while I am being used as a convenient scapegoat, those who are truly responsible for the crime remain free and blameless,” he stated.
Baldo stressed: “I did not order the deaths of anyone. I did not kill Congressman Batocabe and SPO2 Diaz.”
Police have filed murder charges against Baldo in connection with the twin killings.
Batocabe and Baldo, together with Vice Mayor Victor Perete, were set to run against each other in the mayoral race in Daraga in May.
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin disclosed that based on the most recent poll survey, Batocabe was ahead by a comfortable margin over his opponents.
“Indeed, this is a sad, woeful day as a malicious and great power has single-handedly eclipsed justice and due process today,” said Baldo.
He added: “Daraga is still mourning the loss of two of its sons, and now it has one more reason to grieve – the death of truth and justice.”
Baldo acknowledged that he is “an easy target” but this should not be misconstrued as making him the guilty party.
“I am already being persecuted in the courts of public opinion. A trial by media is being held in front of every screen, constantly on repeat since (PNP chief Director General Oscar) Albayalde’s statement was released this morning. Neither of these is proof of my guilt,” he said. (Ben R. Rosario)
