Daraga mayor Baldo: I did not kill Congressman Batocabe

Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo has denied ordering the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe, a rival candidate in the 2019 elections.

"I assert my innocence," Baldo said hours after PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde tagged him as the mastermind behind the assassination that also resulted in the death of SPO2 Orlando Diaz.

"A trial by media is being held in front of every screen, constantly on repeat since Albayalde’s statement was released this morning. Neither of these are proof of my guilt," he added.

"I did not order the deaths of anyone. I did not kill Congressman Batocabe and SPO2 Diaz," Baldo said.

Baldo said he was being used as a scapegoat, adding that those responsible for the crime remained free.

"Malinis ang aking konsensiya sa anumang pagkakasala. Patuloy akong nakikiramay sa pamilya nina Batocabe at Diaz, at gusto ko ri malaman [kung] sino tunay na may kagagawan ng krimen," Baldo said.

"I am an easy target but that does not make me guilty of the crime. I am already being persecuted in the courts of public opinion,” he added in a mix of Bicolano and English.

Albayalde on Thursday noon said police investigation showed Baldo reached out to a hitman to kill Batocabe in August 2018 after the latter announced that he would run for mayor in Daraga in the May 2019 polls.

He said Baldo was willing to pay as much as P5 million for the hit.

Baldo then said Albayalde's accusations was a great injustice to the late Batocabe and Diaz, their families, to the victims who were caught in the line of fire, and to the people of Daraga.

“This is a sad, woeful day as a malicious and great power has single-handedly eclipsed justice and due process,” Baldo said.

Baldo assured his constituents that the controversy wouldn't hamper his governance.

"Sa ngayon po, hindi ko pa nababasa ang mga akusasyon laban sa akin. Hindi pa ako pwedeng magsalita sa mga tanong ninyo," Baldo said.

"[Pero] patuloy po akong magsisilbi sa bayan ng Daraga ngayon at sa mga susunod na mga araw. Asahan po ninyo na ako ay nasa munisipyo palagi," he added. —NB, GMA News