LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – A court in Metro Manila has ordered the arrest of Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo for two counts of murder over the alleged killing of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and security escort Police Master Sgt. Orlando Diaz in 2018.
Acting Presiding Judge Acerey Pacheco of the National Capital Region-Regional Trial Court Branch 3 issued the warrant of arrest for Baldo.
No bail was recommended for the local chief executive.
Batocabe and Diaz were killed during a gift-giving activity in Barangay Burgos.
Police Regional Office-5 Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon said they have received the warrant.
However, police failed to serve the document as Baldo was not present at his residence in Barangay Tagas in Daraga.
Dizon said only Baldo’s companions were present in the house.
Baldo was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosives in 2019 but released after posting bail.
In 2022, Baldo ran for mayor and defeated former Mayor Victor Perete.
Dizon advised the mayor to surrender and defend himself in court.
He said that once Baldo surrenders or arrested, he will be turned over to the issuing court.
Baldo’s camp has yet to issue a statement regarding this development.