Lawyer Justin Batocabe (Photo from his Facebook page)
LEGAZPI CITY -- Lawyer Justin Batocabe, son of slain Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, said their family is elated and thankful to the authorities after Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who has been tagged behind his father's killing, surrendered on Friday.
"We are very thankful to the Philippine National Police (PNP), prosecutors and the Regional Trial Court (RTC) for their help in moving the case forward to trial," Batocabe said in a phone interview.
He also said their family is thankful that Baldo surrendered peacefully.
"With this, he submitted himself to the jurisdiction of the court but despite his surrender, he hides for five days and it’s an indication of guilt," Batocabe said.
The young lawyer said he hopes the sacrifices of his father will be remembered by the people of Daraga.
“The good reputation and legacy of my father will be continued by my mother," he added.
Baldo was tagged by the police as the mastermind behind the killing of Rep. Batocabe and his police escort during a Christmas gift-giving event in a remote village in Daraga on December 22 last year.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) assured there will be no special treatment for Baldo.
"After the booking process, he will be put in the jail’s reception and diagnostic center of the Legazpi City Jail Annex. This is the area where newly-committed PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) undergo orientation of the rules and regulations of the facility. Mayor Baldo will be treated as an ordinary PDL. (The) Legazpi City Jail has 324 PDLs, as of this time," BJMP spokesperson, Chief Insp. Xavier Solda, said in a statement. (With report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
