Batocabe wife to run for Daraga, Albay mayor; Duterte endorses bid

The wife of slain Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe will replace her husband in the mayoral race in Daraga, Albay.

Gertie Duran-Batocabe announced her mayoral bid in a Facebook post, where she posted photos of her meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang on Thursday.

"Thank you, Mr. President for all the help and encouragement. Yes, ready to be a #partnerforchange for our hometown of Daraga!," she said.

"It was a very fruitful meeting with DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año and SAP Bong Go regarding tourism, local governance and security," she added.

One of the photos showed Duterte endorsing Gertie's mayoral bid.

Rodel Batocabe, along with his police escort Senior Police Officer 1 Orlando Diaz, was shot dead on December 22 while he was about to ride his vehicle from a gift-giving event in Albay at a covered court at Barangay Burgos in Daraga.

The police have already filed murder and frustrated murder charges against Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo in connection with the killings.

He was later arrested but on charges of illegal possession of firearms. He was later sent to the hospital after complaining about his health.

Two weeks ago, Ronald Ang, a nominee of Ako Bicol party-list, took his oath to replace Batocabe in Congress.

Rumors earlier swirled that Gertie will replace him in the mayoral race, with the lawmaker's brother Dennis even confirming it.

The couple's son, Justin, however later came out with a statement saying their family has yet to arrive at a final decision at the time.

The P20-million bounty dangled by President Rodrigo Duterte has already gone to witnesses who gave information that led to the arrest of suspects in the slay. — MDM, GMA News