MEMBERS of the Visayan Bloc at the House of Representatives condemned the killing of Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe.
The group led by Negros Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez also raised P3 million as reward money for anybody who could give vital information that would lead to the capture of the killers.
"We, in the Visayan Bloc headed by Congressman Benitez, vowed to use everything in our power to see that justice is served for Representative Batocabe and his loved ones," said Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano.
He said Benitez has already secured the commitment of over 100 congressmen to put up reward money for the speedy capture of the perpetrators of what he described as a "dastardly crime."
With the reward money, they are hoping to get the cooperation of the people with the authorities conducting the investigation.
He also said that the congressmen will be vigilant and will make sure that the investigation on the case would be impartial.
"Your representatives in the Congress condemn in the strongest terms the latest act of violence that took the life of dear friend and colleague,” Paduano emphasized.
He added: "Congressman Batocabe has served the people of Bicol well and has been one of the most hardworking members of the House of Representatives. I see no reason why somebody would even want to hurt Batocabe except those who are willing to do anything and everything to stop Batocabe from giving the people of Bicol the kind of public service that they deserve.”
Batocabe was gunned down Saturday afternoon by two unidentified gunmen during a Christmas event for senior citizens in Daraga. His security escort was also killed.