Baldo posts bail; to re-assume his post?

EMBATTLED TOWN CHIEF EXECUTIVE. Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo (seated at left), accompanied by his counsel and family members, presents himself before his jail warden with his order for his temporary liberty. RHAYDZ B. BARCIA

LEGAZPI CITY --- Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo could return any time as town mayor after posting P3M cash bail for his temporary liberty after facing complaints for illegal possession of firearms, explosives, and ammunition, according to a ranking official of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Bicol. Anthony Nuyda, DILG regional director, said Baldo could be reinstated as Daraga town mayor as provided for by the Local Government Code after submitting to the Sangguniang Bayan an official communication citing his intention to return back as town mayor. He is also required by the LG code to furnish the SB a copy of the court order granting his motion to bail and the order giving him temporary liberty after posting the cash bail and other documents asked by the court. Nuyda said that aside from seeking permission from the SB for him to be reinstated, he would submit for the record his re-assumption of his post to all his department heads. When asked about certain procedures to be followed in Baldo’s reinstatement, Nuyda said the moment he is released and given temporary liberty by the court “it is automatic, he should issue a memorandum and notify the SB that he is back and submit all proof and documents that the temporary incapacity has been lifted because of his temporary detention.” “The best proof would be the documents of the court decision granting him temporary liberty after posting bail.” As for the DILG, Nuyda said: “he has to furnish us with the copy that he issued to the SB.” Nuyda in an interview said the only issue that would hinder his return as mayor is when the SB and other officials would issue a formal communication opposing Baldo’s reinstatement. Nuyda said, “that is where we come in to settle the conflict.” Regional Trial Court Branch 10, presided by Judge Maria Theresa San Juan-Loquillano, has ordered on Tuesday Baldo to post P3M cash bail or P4M surety or property bail for his temporary liberty. The court order also issued the following conditions: that he would appear in court whenever required; report weekly before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) or the office of the PNP regional director in Bicol, refrain from talking about the case in his campaign sorties or with media; and he will immediately turn himself once a criminal case is filed against him in court without need for the court to summon him or issue a warrant for his arrest. The court said any violation of these conditions would result in the automatic cancellation by the court of his bail and the corresponding warrant of arrest would be issued against him. Baldo is facing two criminal complaints: First, a double murder and six counts of frustrated homicide tagging him as the mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO4 Orlando Diaz during a Christmas gift-giving event in Barangay Burgos, Daraga Albay on Dec. 22 last year. The second complaint involves the alleged illegal possession of firearms, explosives, and ammunition found in his residence in January this year. Baldo was then arrested and placed under the custody of the CIDG in Bicol. While detained, he suffered asthma and hypertension and was confined for treatment at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital. With Baldo’s health condition returning to normal, the hospital cleared for his discharge. Whereupon, he was ordered returned to his cell at the PNP Legazpi detention facility.