Daraga mayor, 5 others face murder raps for twin slay

Aside from Baldo, indicted for the twin killings are Christopher Naval, alias Tuping; Emmanuel A. Rosello, alias Boboy; Jaywin I. Babor, alias Gie; Henry G. Yuson, alias Rommel Yuson; and Rolando Arimado, alias Lando. (File photo: Awin Baldo/Facebook)

MANILA— The Camarines Sur provincial prosecutor’s office has ordered the filing of two counts of murder against Daraga, Albay mayor Carlywin Baldo and five others for the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe and his police escort, Orlando S. Diaz, last December 22.

Batocabe succumbed to eight gunshot wounds during an ambush as he was attending an event for senior citizens and persons with disabilities at the Burgos Elementary School, in Brgy. Burgos, Daraga,Albay.

Aside from Baldo, indicted for the twin killings are Christopher Naval, alias Tuping; Emmanuel A. Rosello, alias Boboy; Jaywin I. Babor, alias Gie; Henry G. Yuson, alias Rommel Yuson; and Rolando Arimado, alias Lando.

Prosecutors said the plan to kill Batocabe was hatched sometime in June last year at Baldo’s compound and the group later moved to a safehouse in Villahermosa, Daraga, Albay. The group then regularly monitored Batocabe’s movement before deciding to attack.

Baldo’s group is also facing charges for attempted murder after bystanders Nelia Millena, Gregorio Mediavillo, Jesus Medez, Florencita Mendones, Ellen Mansos, and Haydie Llorca were wounded during the shootout between the gunman and authorities.

Prosecutors, however, cleared Baldo’s driver Ramon Marbella, alias Mamo, who drove the vehicle (Isuzu Altera) owned by the mayor’s wife and who gave money to the wife of the gunman after the incident.

“His mere obedience to an order or instruction of his employer, being his driver, does not make him liable with the other respondents,” prosecutors ruled.