MEMBERS of the House of Representatives are eyeing at least a P30- million reward for the arrest of the killers of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe and his police escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz.
Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said congressmen have already committed to put up a reward in order to fast-track investigation on who are behind the brazen killing of Batocabe just after he graced an event for the elderly in his hometown of Daraga, Albay, on Sunday.
The Ako Bicol representative had filed a certificate of candidacy for the mayorship of Daraga.
“I condemn what has happened. Life has become so cheap. That should not be so. Nothing can justify that gruesome murder. So I hope our authorities could conduct a thorough and speedy investigation,” Arroyo said.
“Enforcement is the best deterrent. As of now [several] congressmen have already committed to put up a fund to get the killers. That really is the best way to get the killers,” she added.
Batocabe and his police escort were killed in an ambush in Barangay Burgos in Daraga town at around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Batocabe, 52, was about to ride his vehicle following a gift-giving event for senior citizens and PWDs when he was attacked at a covered court at Barangay Burgos in Daraga.
The two victims were rushed to a hospital but declared dead on arrival.
For his part, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin said the reward money will expedite the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Initially we have gathered around P25 million to put up a bounty and help identity mastermind/masterminds immediately. In fact, it could reach P30 million,” said Garbin.
Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, who initiated the collection for a bounty, said the Ako Bicol party-list group has offered P15 million, while the provincial government of Albay made a P2-million commitment; members of the House of Representatives have generated at least P5 million as of Sunday night and counting.
“At least 168 congressmen have committed to give at least P30,000 to put up a reward money for the speedy capture of the perpetrators. We are still counting,” said Benitez.
“We will be vigilant and will make sure that the investigation on the case would be impartial. We will not take this sitting down. It is an assault on our institution,” said Benitez. The remains of Batocabe were brought to the Arcilla Hall of Bicol University in Daraga. He will be laid to rest on December 31, 2018, also in Daraga.
A memorial service for Batocabe will be held at the House of Representatives on January 14, 2019.
Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) President Martin Romualdez said the country lost “another young, brilliant and outstanding public servant” with the killing of Batocabe.
“We condemn the killing of Congressman Batocabe and his security aide and demand swift justice,” he said.
Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez, the first nominee of Tingog Sinirangan party-list, said, “Bicolanos everywhere have lost a friend and an ally. I call on authorities to address this unforgivable, brazen and violent act immediately. Investigate and prosecute with speed and urgency.“
Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy said Batocabe died in the line of duty and service, “He led us party-list lawmakers, as president of the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc., by good example and championed the welfare of Bicolanos as leader of Ako Bicol Party-list.”
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate condemned the killing of Batocabe, saying, “This highlights the climate of impunity prevalent in our country now and we hope that the perperator of this crime is brought to justice at the soonest time possible.”
Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said the recent killing of a government official raises yet again the atmosphere of violence and impunity in the society now.
“ I call on the authorities to conduct a swift and extensive investigation on this matter. The perpetrators must be apprehended and the motive of this remorseless act should be determined,” he said.
Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin said the killings of Batocabe and his police escort in broad daylight and in full view of the public makes such an act reprehensible.
“ I was in Daraga last December 9 for a conference and there was no inkling from Cong. Rodel that he was in harm’s way when we talked briefly,” he said.
“He was considered the leading mayoral candidate in a three-way fight, being the only pureblood Daraganon. Daraga is known as a peaceful and bustling town right beside Legazpi City and majestic Mayon Volcano,” Villarin added.
NBI steps in
Meanwhile, Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to step into the ongoing investigation in connection with the killing of Batocabe and his security aide.
In a statement, Guevarra said the NBI, through its field operatives, will assist the Philippine National Police in determining the motive behind the killing and in identifying its perpetrators.
“Initial investigation by the NBI agents suggests that the attack was likely politically motivated,” the Department of Justice said in a statement.“A thorough inspection of the crime scene will be conducted soon in coordination with the PNP,” the DOJ added.
A Special Investigation Task Force Group has been created by PNP Chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde.
With Joel R. San Juan