Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo surrenders

ALBAY, Philippines (UPDATED) – Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo surrendered on Friday, May 10, days after a Legazpi City court issued a warrant for his arrest.

According to Philippine National Police spokesman Colonel Bernard Banac, Baldo turned himself over to  Legazpi City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Maria Theresa San Juan Loquillano at around 8:30 am on Friday.

Baldo is accused of being the mastermind in the killing of AKO Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe and his security escort in December 2018. (READ: Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo ready to surrender)

Police Lieutenant Colonel Rodelon Betita, Daraga police chief, told Rappler that Baldo was accompanied by his family and lawyer Merito Lovenzky Fernandez.

Betita said the judge issued a gag order on other details of the surrender and prohibited any picture-taking of the process.

“We cannot release any other information because Judge Loquillano issued a gag order and prohibited taking pictures of his surrender,” Betita said.

Police said Baldo was detained at the Legazpi City District Jail, which is under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. His arraignment for two murders and 6 counts of attempted murder is scheduled on May 30.

Justin Batocabe, eldest son of the slain congressman, thanked authorities for putting Baldo behind bars.

“We are very happy and grateful to the police, prosecutors and the RTC for their hardwork in putting Mr Baldo behind bars,” Justin said.

Loquillano had issued a warrant for Baldo’s arrest earlier this week which was served by police in Baldo’s residence, but the mayor was not at home at the time. 

Anthony Nuyda, regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), had earlier warned Baldo that he had until Friday, May 10, to appear and heed the court order, or else Daraga Vice Mayor Victor Perete will take over his post, based on the rule of succession provided under the 1991 Local Government Code.

Perete had assumed the post of acting mayor in January, while Baldo was in jail for illegal possession of firearms. Baldo was granted bail  in February and resumed his duties as mayor.

Baldo is running for reelection in the 2019 polls, up against Batocabe’s widow, Gertie Duran Batocabe, and Perete. – Rappler.com