PNP recommends Daraga mayor’s ex-aide to get P50m reward

January 8, 2019

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde is recommending Emmanuel Judavar, the key witness in the death of AKO Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe to receive the P50 million reward.

“Actually, he is the first to become a witness that’s why he is the one who will receive all the reward when they give it,” Albayalde said in an ambush interview in Quezon City.

But Albayalde said he is not sure if the P50 million will be given to Judavar, the mayor's former associate.

“I’m not sure if it’s all for him. It’s big money but he will be the one to receive it. Remember his involvement in the plan was since August then he separated from (Mayor Carlwyn) Baldo. So he is not involved in the plan against late Congressman Batocabe,” he said.

Albayalde said they were assured by the Department of Interior and Local Government that the reward money will be given.

“It’s not us but SILG (Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano) who discuss (regarding the money) and we were assured that they will give it,” he said.

Albayalde said Judavar left the group after Baldo refused to give him the money he is requesting.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Amador Corpus, chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said they are looking into another suspect who allegedly paid and help the suspected gunmen in escaping.

“All of the statements are now finished. We have everything and we are looking at…  Actually, we are gathering additional statements, probably co-conspirators. As chief PNP said, we are looking for others who has an involvement in this plan (on killing Rep. Batocabe),” Corpus said.

“I think initially we have one. He is now being investigated. He gave money and also the one who help them escape when they withdrew somewhere in Camalig town. Then they were fetched by a vehicle, so that was his involvement,” he added.

Police are still investigating if the suspect is one of Baldo’s staff. He will face charges if his involvement is proven.  Ella Dionisio/ DMS