By Benjamin Pulta/PNA
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday confirmed that a travel ban sought by state prosecutors against Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo has been granted by a local court.
“We received word that the Regional Trial Court of Legazpi City has issued a Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) against Mayor Carlwyn Baldo in relation to the Batocabe case,” DOJ spokesman Undersecretary Markk Perete said in a message to newsmen.
Baldo is the prime suspect in the killing of Ako-Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort during a Christmas gift-giving event in Barangay Burgos, an upland village in Daraga town last December 22.
On January 7, the OIC-Provincial Prosecutor of Albay filed an application for a PHDO against Baldo and five others.
On Wednesday, the firearm used in the crime was recovered from a fishpond in Purok 3, Barangay Busay in Ligao City.
Chief Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol) spokesperson, said authorities recovered a .45-caliber Taurus pistol PT34/7 PRO with Serial No. NCY 89364.
The information regarding the gun’s whereabouts was provided by Christopher Naval alias “Tuping”, one of six suspects in the assassination of the lawmaker.
