AKO Bicol party-list names new representative to replace Batocabe

RONALD S. Ang is the new AKO Bicol Party-list representative, replacing the late congressman Rodel Batocabe.

Ang took his oath on Wednesday at the plenary hall, administered by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and joined by AKO Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.

Ang, a lawyer and the fourth nominee of the party-list, took over from Batocabe who was killed on December 22.

Batocabe, along with his police escort, Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz, were shot dead after attending a gift-giving program for senior citizens at Barangay Burgos in Daraga, Albay.

The 52-year-old lawmaker, who sought a mayoral post in the 2019 polls, was supposed to be up against Daraga Mayor Carlwyn “Awin” Baldo and Vice Mayor Victor Perete.

Baldo, who was tagged as the mastermind behind the killing, was issued a subpoena last week after authorities removed his police security and confiscated his firearms.

The police filed double murder and six counts of frustrated murder charges against Baldo and his six alleged cohorts Henry Yuson, Rolando Arimaldo, Danilo Muella, Christopher Naval, Emmanuel Rosello, and Haywin Babor.

The House of Representatives held a necrological service for Batocabe last Monday. GLEE JALEA