Daraga, Albay Mayor Baldo: I assert my innocence

(Eagle News)–Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo on Thursday, Jan. 3, denied he ordered the killing of Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his security escort, SP01 Orlando Diaz.

“I did not order the deaths of anyone,” Baldo said after double murder charges were filed against him in connection with Batocabe’s and Diaz’s death, after a witness and some suspects pointed to him as the mastermind of the attack in December last year.

Baldo also faces six counts of frustrated murder charges in connection with the injuries sustained by six people during the attack on Batocabe and Diaz.

According to Baldo, “I am an easy target but that does not make me guilty of the crime.”

He lamented what he said was the “trial by media”  being held “in front of every screen, constantly on repeat since (Philippine National Police Chief Oscar) Albayalde’s statement was released this morning.”

“I assert my innocence,” Baldo said.

Batocabe was about to board his vehicle from a gift-giving activity in Daraga when he was attacked.