PNP looks at ‘2-3 credible witnesses’ in Batocabe ambush-slay
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Wed, 02 Jan 2019 06:29:27 +0000
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has two to three “credible” witnesses who may provide information that may lead to the identification of the perpetrators behind the killing of AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, according to its spokesperson on Wednesday morning.
Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said on television that the number was reduced considerably after interviewing a lot of possible witnesses on the case.
“As you can see, we have [a] P50 million reward so a lot of people will be very interested…we have also [ruled] out nuisance witnesses from valuable witnesses,” he said.
Durana also said the public should expect “encouraging” results from their investigation soon.
“The investigation is progressing quite positively. There are a lot of encouraging results based on this investigation and for sure, you will be hearing good news from the PNP,” he said.
Police Regional Office-5 released artist sketches of the alleged hitmen who also killed Batocabe’s security aide, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, in Daraga, Albay on December 22.
Police said there were six “persons of interest” and have obtained photos that could further identify the perpetrators.
PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said there was a mayor being linked to the case but did not disclose his name pending results of an ongoing investigation.
Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo has denied allegations that he was behind the killing of Batocabe who was going to run against him in the midterm elections in May.
The PNP is also looking at the angle that communist rebels were responsible for Batocabe’s death.
“We are not discounting that as of this point but we know for a fact that the NPA are styling themselves as assassins and it’s not only in Bicol but in some other areas. Despite the pronouncement of CPP-NPA, based on our data, some of their elements are offering as gun-for-hire,” Durana said.
Batocabe was laid to rest on December 30 at the Daraga public cemetery. ROY NARRA
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