Free for now: Mayor tagged as mastermind in Batocabe slay out on bail

Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo who has been tagged as the mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe has been granted bail by the Legaspi City court.

Legaspi City Judge Maria Theresa San Juan-Loquillano has issued a resolution which allowed Baldo bail over charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

In granting him bail, the magistrate ordered him to post bail in the amount of P3 million in cash or P4 million in surety of property.

Baldo was arrested last January 22 at his home in Barangay Tagas, Daraga after police found in his home unlicensed firearms and ammunition including three .45 caliber pistols.

“If bail could be availed of by one who is charged with a capital offense (provided evidence of guilt is not strong), then with more reason that bail could be available for one under arrest without any proper criminal information filed in court against him,” the court said in its resolution.

Though he has been identified as the mastermind in the killing, charges have yet to be filed against Baldo over the killing of Batocabe.

Last Dec. 22, Batocabe and his police escort, SPO2 Orlando Diaz were killed during a gift-giving event for the elderly and persons with disability in Daraga.