Batocabe family appeals to witnesses to come out, vows to help them seek protection

The family of killed Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe urged Monday those who know anything about the death of their father to come out, assuring that they would work for their inclusion in the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

“Dahil Pasko, handa po ang pamilya naming magpatawad kung sino man po ang least guilty pero nakakaalam sa buong detalye, handa kaming patawarin kayo, halikan ang inyong kamay, ipasok kayo sa Witness Protection Program,” Justin Batocabe, the deceased lawmaker’s son, said in a press conference.

“Ituro ninyo lang ang mastermind at ibigay pa rin ang cash reward. Dahil Pasko at yan ang tinuro sa amin ng aming butihing ama. Sigurado kaming mananaig ang hustisya sa huli,” he added.

He said at least P30 million in reward has been put up for any information that would lead to the killers of their patriarch. 

“P30 million sa makakaturo sa amin sa mastermind,” he said.

“We would invite you all to help us a little bit more for justice for my father. Help us point to the persons who know the killers, help us point to the killers, and ultimately the mastermind,” he said.

Asked on the timetable, the younger Batocabe said they wanted it as soon as possible.

“As soon as possible, sa mga magbabago pong loob, ito na po ang tsansa ninyo, bigyan ninyo naman kami ng mabuting Pasko. Magkaroon kayo ng konsensiya para sa ikabubuti ng ating buong bayan,” he said.

On the suspect and the motive in the killing, Justin said they would let the investigation run its course as they put their faith and confidence in the Philippine National Police.

“We will wait until it (investigation) is final. We will put our faith 100 percent in the system, we are not making any conjecture or allowing our emotions to rule the day.  We will allow justice, facts, and science to rule the day,” he said.

Kiel Batocabe, another son of the congressman, expressed hope that his father would be the last victim and his case would be resolved soon.

“May faith ako sa Philippine National Police at sa National Bureau of Investigation at sa kung sino pang law enforcement agency ng ating bansa na malutas ang kaso. Sana ito na ang huling kaso ng impunity.  Sana lahat ng kaso ng pagpaslang ay matapos na,” he said in an interview with GMA News TV’s "News To Go."

Justin said their mother was distraught with the death of her husband on the day of their anniversary.

“She is distraught. Grabe po ang pagkadismaya niya. Isipin ninyo po sir, anniversary niya, pinatay ang kanyang asawa, in cold blood sa anniversary niya. Talagang mahirap pong tanggapin at isalaysay kung ano ang kanyang nararamdaman nagyon,” he said.

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

Both victims were brought to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival. —LDF, GMA News