Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor, chair of the Committee on Public Accounts, said during a press conference on Tuesday that his committee will investigate how the Philippine National Police (PNP) disbursed the P35 million bounty intended for witnesses in the murder of late Ako-Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

This was as House Minority Leader Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. has filed a resolution to investigate the matter, as well as Ako-Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin having appealed to Defensor for the same probe.

“This is not just a request by Ako Bicol but of other partylist organizations which include the minority group and of course Speaker (Alan Peter Cayetano),” Defensor said.

According to the House Resolution 284 filed by Abante, the bounty is intended to ensure the safety of those who would come forward and testify against the assailants and the masterminds.

However, Abante said that he has received reports that several witnesses have not received their share in the bounty, making them reluctant in testifying for alleged failure to deliver what was promised to them.

“Disturbing information have reached the undersigned that several witnesses have not received their share in the bounty and are now in fear for lack of financial capacity to secure themselves and their families against bodily harm,” the resolution stated.

To recall, Batocabe was killed after distributing Christmas gifts in an event in Daraga on 22 December. Former Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who was tagged as the alleged mastermind in the killing and is facing double murder and six counts of attempted murder charges, posted a P8.720 million bail bond for his temporary release on 4 September which was granted by a Legazpi City Court.

“The investigation of the budget utilization is because it involves intelligence funds for the investigation and we know that the suspect in the Batocabe slay was even able to secure bail,” Defensor said.

Of the P35 million bounty, P20 million came from the Office of the President, P13 million came from the House of Representatives while another P2 million came from the Province of Albay.