Ex-mayor tagged in Batocabe slay posts P8.7-M bail

LEGAZPI CITY (2nd UPDATE) - The former mayor of Daraga town in Albay, who was tagged as mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, posted bail on Wednesday.

Carlwyn Baldo posted a P8.720-million bail bond for his temporary release. He is charged with double murder and 6 counts of attempted murder.

A Legazpi City court granted bail to Baldo on Aug. 29, which the slain lawmaker's kin opposed, saying they would file a motion for reconsideration.

• Ex-mayor tagged mastermind in lawmaker's slay granted bail, family cries foul

RTC Executive Judge Elmer Lanuzo, however, refused to sign the release order on behalf of RTC Branch 10 judge Theresa Loquillano, who holds the case.

Loquillano is on leave and will report back on Monday.

Baldo's family said they would wait for Loquillano to issue the release order.

The suspect's mother Gloria Baldo and his legal counsel Lovensky Fernandez arrived at the Regional Trial Court Branch 10 on Tuesday to process the bail. It took them a day to comply with the requirements.

Baldo's mother refused to give a statement.

Baldo surrendered in May and maintained his innocence, claiming several people were destroying his name to further their interests in Daraga.

• 'Nais akong patahimikin': Daraga mayor wants review of Batocabe slay case evidence

The slain lawmaker was planning to challenge reelectionist Baldo for the Daraga mayoralty in the May elections.

Batocabe, 52, was distributing Christmas gifts in Daraga, his hometown, on Dec. 22 when he and his police escort were gunned down by at least 6 assailants.

• Party-list congressman Rodel Batocabe killed in Albay

--Report from Karren Canon, ABS-CBN News