Batocabe killing solved soon — PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said they are close to solving the killing of AKO Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

In a televised interview, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Bong Durana said they have received encouraging information and results from the investigations.

“The investigation is progressing quite positively. There are a lot of encouraging results based on this investigation and for sure you’ll be hearing good news from the Philippine National Police, probably today or tomorrow,” Durana said.

He noted that manhunt operations on possible suspects are under way even as they are interviewing at least two “credible” witnesses who have come forward to help the police solve the killing of the lawmaker.

Batocabe was shot dead along with his security escort during a gift-giving program in his hometown of Daraga, Albay last 22 December 2018.

Durata said the police are looking at all possible angles, including the suspected involvement of a mayor or the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the fatal shooting.

Batocabe was running for the mayoralty post of Daraga in the 2019 polls against incumbent Mayor Carlwyn Baldo and Vice Mayor Victor Perete.

But Baldo has denied having a hand in the lawmaker’s killing while the NPA has also disowned the killing of Batocabe and his aide.

Despite the denials, Durana said that they are not striking out the possibility that the communist armed group is behind the solon’s killing, adding that they have previously recorded some members of the NPA being hired as assassins.

However, Durana said Baldo is not yet off the hook.

Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the police have already identified six persons of interest in Batocabe’s killing and have obtained photos of them.

Batocabe’s fellow lawmakers and President Rodrigo Duterte have raised a P50 million reward for anyone who can help identify the solon’s killers.

The Commission on Elections is also said it is considering to place Daraga under its control, taking immediate and direct supervision and control over all national and local officials in the municipality, including the exercise of control and supervision over all law enforcement agencies in the area.

Batocabe was laid to rest on New Year’s Eve at the Daraga Catholic Cemetery.