DARAGA, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who stands accused of being behind the killing of his political rival, surrendered on Friday morning, May 10, a police official confirmed.

Albay Provincial Police Director Wilson Asueta said Baldo surrendered before the Legazpi City Regional

Trial Court Branch 10 around 8:30 a.m. of May 10.

He said Baldo was accompanied by his family and lawyer.

Asueta said Baldo was committed by the court to the Legazpi City Jail. His arraignment was scheduled for May 30.

Baldo was accused of being the mastermind of the killing of AKO-Bicol party-list representative Rodel Batocabe and his aide on December 22, 2018 in Daraga,

Six suspects identified as Christopher Naval, Henry Yuson, Jaywin Babor, Emmanuel Rosello, Daniel Muella and Rolando Arimado all surrendered, admitted involvement in the crime, and pointed to Baldo as the one who ordered the hit.

Batocabe was challenging Baldo's reelection bid.

The killing of Batocabe led to the declaration of Daraga town under Comelec control for the May 13 midterm National and Local Elections. (SunStar Philippines)