Lawmakers raise P30-M bounty

Credit to Author: GLEE JALEA| Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2018 16:48:02 +0000

Over 150 congressmen have committed to raise P30 million in reward money for the capture of the killers of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Sunday.

“Enforcement is the best deterrent. As of now, about 150 congressmen have already committed to put up a fund to get the killers. That really is the best way to get killers,” said Arroyo, who paid her last respects to the slain congressman in Daraga, Albay.

Also spotted at Batocabe’s wake at the Bicol University in Daraga were fellow Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin and Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr.

“Initially, we have gathered around P25 million to put up a bounty and to find out the mastermind behind all this,” Garbin said.

Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK

Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez confirmed that P15 million would come from Ako Bicol party-list, P2 million from the Albay provincial government, and more than a hundred congressmen vowed to give at least P30,000 each.

“Yes. P30 million is possible. [More than half of the amount] was already raised as of now with Ako Bicol and Albay provincial government,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, as well as Representatives Edcel Lagman, Teddy Baguilat, Tom Villarin and Ron Salo sent their deepest sympathies to the family of the “much-loved congressman.”

Batocabe, 52, and his police escort, Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz, were killed on Saturday afternoon after attending a gift-giving program for senior citizens at Barangay Burgos in Daraga town.

Batocabe suffered eight gunshot wounds. He and Diaz were declared dead on arrival at the Ago Medical and Educational Center Hospital.

Sad wedding anniversary
Batocabe’s wife Gertie said the lawmaker was gunned down on their wedding anniversary.

“Today is our wedding anniversary, you were going to pick me up at 4 p.m. You said I should come with you to your event for those undergoing dialysis at the (Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital) because that’s the way you want to celebrate it. I was waiting for you, instead I got the call,” Gertie posted on Facebook on Saturday evening.

“I will always have these in my heart, despite how busy you were, for my 50th birthday you took me to a place off-grid just to strike it off my bucketlist. I will never understand your world. Come back in my dreams, Ba. Thank you my love,” she added.

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Majority Leader Rolando Andaya and Ako Bical Rep. Alfredo Garbin pay their last respects to Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe at the Ricardo Arcilla Hall in Daraga, Albay. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Batocabe was vocal about his love for his “wifey.” On December 2, he posted a birthday tribute for her on Facebook.

“Today, December 2, is a doubly special day. First, it is the birthday of the wifey which we simply celebrated as in previous years, with a mass, a lunch and the traditional blowing of the candle. To the only girl in the family who is always quietly behind her boys all year round and only takes center stage this day, Happy Birthday! We love you,” he wrote.

Batocabe would have contested the Daraga mayoral post with Mayor Carlwyn “Awin” Baldo.

“You know so well we were winning the race. You coward just had to take him out,” Gertie said without revealing any further details.

Batocabe was the first congressman killed under the Duterte administration.

He will be buried on December 31 in Daraga. A memorial service for him will be held at the House of Representatives on January 14.

Security personnel pulled out
Garbin said the Batocabe’s security personnel were pulled out days before he was gunned down.

“The killing of our friend and colleague congressman Batocabe was carefully subjected to case tracking because he was killed days after his security personnel was pulled out suddenly by Supt. Charlotte Penalosa for unknown reason,” Garbin told reporters in a news briefing.

Garbin said he and other local officials will ask the Philippine National Police why Batocabe’s two security personnel were pulled out.

Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara also condemned the killing and called on the PNP to promptly investigate the matter.

Officials said seven other people were injured in the attack. The victims, identified as Ellen Lapon Mansos, 63, Marina Mediavillo, 78, Florencita Mendones, 67, Haydee Llorca, 61, Gregorio Loterte Mediavillo, 79, Jesus Llana Medes, 73, and Nelia Mancera Millena, 71, were hit by stray bullets.

Aquino seeks thorough probe
SEN. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino 4th on Sunday urged authorities to conduct a “thorough probe” on the killing of Batocabe and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Aquino and fellow senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay condemned Batocabe’s assassination on Saturday.

Aquino urged authorities to “leave no stone unturned” in investigating the incident.

“Panahon na upang wakasan ang karahasang kagaya nito sa ating lipunan (It is time to end violence in our society),” he added.

Gatchalian said the Phililippine National Police (PNP) “must stop at nothing to bring Rodel’s murderers to justice.”

“Rodel was one of the most hardworking legislators I have ever met. As a member of the House contingent of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), Rodel dutifully attended every JCPC meeting during the 17th Congress, where he always participated with keen insights and suggestions on the power matters being discussed,” Gatchalian said.

“I am shocked and outraged by the murder of my former House colleague and fellow energy advocate. The Filipino people have lost an outstanding public servant,” he added.

Binay called on the PNP to immediately conduct a probe on the incident “and get to the bottom of this issue.”

“I urge the Commission on Elections to declare Albay an election hotspot to guarantee the safety of every Albayanon,” Binay said.

The chief of police of Daraga town in Albay was relieved from his post following the killing of Batocabe.

Chief Inspector Ma. Luisa Calibaquib, spokesman of the Police Regional Office in Bicol, said Supt. Benito Dipad was replaced by Supt. Dennis Balla on Sunday.

WITH BERNADETTE TAMAYO, DEMPSEY REYES AND RHAYDZ B. BARCIA

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