Batocabe kin fear for their lives after Carlywn Baldo allowed to bail

The family of the slain Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rodel Batocabe say they are fearing for their lives after former Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, the alleged mastermind of the murder, was allowed to post bail.

Speaking to members of the media on Tuesday, Justin Batocabe, son of Rodel, expressed his dismay over the court's ruling to allow Baldo, who face two counts of murder, to post bail.

"We are very sad, we are very depressed, and we are very afraid not only for our lives but of course for the lives of the family of the witness," he said.

"Let's not forget that Mr. Baldo has an existing illegal possession of firearms case. He was confiscated a grenade launcher. So this man has the capability for violence," he added.

Justin fears that Baldo, if released from detention, may cause to tamper evidence and intimidate and threaten witnesses.

"As a son, it is beyond us why the ruling grants him bail," he said.

In allowing Baldo to post bail, the court cited the prosecution's failure to present enough evidence that could warrant the junking of Baldo's motion for bail.

The court reportedly noted that Baldo was not physically present at the scene when Batocabe and his security escort were shot dead in December 2018. It also said the empty shells found at the crime scene did not match Baldo's registered firearms.

But Gertie, Rodel's widow, said the decision was a "miscarriage of justice."

"What I feel now, it's like it's the second time that he is killed. December 22 happened again last Friday in our household," she said.

"Eto kami ngayon, we are scared for our lives. Nawalan na kami ng ama, nawalan ako ng asawa. So many things happened since December, so many painful [events] na hindi na nga makatarungan, and then this happened again. So what's happening?" she added.

Justin admitted that they have no means to secure themselves for anything that may happen with the looming release of Baldo.

"Sabi ko nga sa isang interview ko kahapon, dodoblehin ko na lang yung kumot ko, may hawak na rosaryo, yan na lang po," he said.

"Kasi unfortunately, unlike Mr. Baldo, we're not fans of guns, we don't have goons, we're not in power anymore so wala kaming police escorts. Siyempre, wala rin kaming pera to hire goons. Prayers na lang," he added.

The prosecution is set to file a motion for reconsideration to the court's ruling, Justin said.

For her part, Gertie thanked Rodel's former colleagues at the House and the other individuals who supported their family.

"That's why we're here nga asking our friends to help us again. And very good naman, lalo na yung Party-list Coalition, yesterday si Cong. [Alfredo] Garbin, now naman daw si Cong. Sharon Garin," she said.

"It feels good to be also supported, para rin makakuha kami ng lakas," she added. —LDF, GMA News