Arroyo condemns killing of Batocabe

HOUSE Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo condemns the killing of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe saying she hopes that the authorities will conduct a speedy probe into the shooting incident last Saturday, December 22.

“I condemn what has happened. Life has become so cheap. That should not be so. Nothing can justify that gruesome murder. So I hope our authorities could conduct a thorough and speedy investigation,” Arroyo said when interviewed during her visit to Batocabe’s wake in Daraga, Albay on Sunday, December 23.

Arroyo was joined by Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. Albay Rep. Fernando Gonzales and Batocabe’s fellow Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. during her visit.

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.

According to Arroyo, Batocabe is “very much loved in Congress.” She also said Batocabe was very active in committee hearings.

Lawmakers at the House of Representatives are now raising funds for the reward money to be given to anyone who could give any information that will lead to the arrest of those behind the murder of Batocabe, Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez confirmed this on Sunday.

Bentiez said he has already secured the commitment of over 100 congressmen to put up a reward money for the speedy capture of those behind the murder of Batocabe.

“So far, they have raised P3 Million for this reward money and they are hoping that people would start cooperating with the police conducting the investigation,” he said.

Ako Bicol Party-list has also pledged P15 million while Governor Al Francis Bichara has pledged P2 million for the bounty pool.

Batocabe was on his last term in Congress as the Partylist Representative of Ako Bicol and was vying for the Mayoralty post of Daraga, Albay.

The police is now looking if the killing was politically motivated.

Batocabe’s remains are now at Arcilla Hall, Bicol University, Daraga, Albay. Ako Bicol Party-list said a memorial service in his honor is being planned on January 14, 2019 at the House of Representatives according to Ako Bicol Party-list. (SunStar Philippines)