Cong. Rodel’s son vows a Batocabe will run for mayor in Daraga, Albay

The son of slain Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe on Thursday vowed that a Batocabe will replace his father as a candidate in the May 2019 mayoral race in Daraga, Albay.

"Ina-assure ko ang aking mga kapwa Daragueño, kapwa Bicolano na may tatakbong Batocabe," lawyer Justin Batocabe told reporters in a media forum in Quezon City.

Justin has yet to give final details, but he said his uncle or his mother, Gertie, might replace Batocabe as a candidate for mayor in Daraga, Albay.

"Siguro ia-announce namin kapag mas malapit na ang eleksyon kasi isang aspetong pang-seguridad din ito na kung sino ang ia-announce namin na tatakbo, baka siya ang maging susunod na target," Justin said.

Batocabe, along with his police escort Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz, was shot dead on December 22 while he was about to ride his vehicle from a gift-giving event in Albay at a covered court at Barangay Burgos in Daraga.

The late lawmaker had served as a representative of the Ako Bicol party-list for three terms, along with his fellow Ako Bicol party-list Representatives Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Christopher Co.

For his part, Justin said he would serve as second nominee of the Ako Bicol party-list in the upcoming 2019 elections to continue his father's legacy to the party.

"Ipagpapatuloy ko ang pagiging nominee ng Ako Bicol party-list. Sapagkat ang Ako Bicol party-list, ang isa sa mga pumundar niyan ay ang aking ama, kumbaga parang anak niya na rin yan. So maganda na magpatuloy ang legacy," he said.

On Wednesday, Ronald Ang, a nominee of the Ako Bicol party-list in the 2016 elections, took oath to replace Batocabe as representative of the party in the 17th Congress.

Batocabe was laid to rest at the Daraga Catholic Church in Albay on December 31.

On Monday, a requiem Mass and necrological service were held at the House of Representatives in memory of Batocabe. — MDM, GMA News