Baldo is free, but can’t travel overseas

LEGAZPI CITY --- Former Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Go. Baldo, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe who was granted temporary liberty last Monday, Sept. 9, is barred from travelling abroad because of a hold order issued against him, Warden Officer Police Senior Inspector Antonio Verzosa, Jr. said.

Suspect Carlwyn Baldo was released from Legazpi City jail at 4:47 p.m. on Monday after the court granted the ex-mayor to post bail last September 4, 2019.

When asked about Baldo’s behavior inside prison, Verzosa said the former mayor behaved accordingly and has in fact befriended all his fellow inmates while behind bars.

“There was no special treatment given to Mayor Baldo but he displayed camaraderie with his fellow inmates. He was cooperative in our daily physical fitness program and even donated a sound system to be used in our daily physical fitness activity,” Verzosa told Bicol Mail.

Baldo was released from Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Monday after completing all the necessary requirements.

As soon as Baldo was out of jail, he bid farewell to the jail guards led by Senior Inspector Rodolfo Versoza. At the gate, he smiled to the members of the press waiting for him outside the prison gate and headed immediately to a white car without saying anything in compliance with a gag order issued by the court.

Baldo, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Batocabe and his police escort SP04 Orlando Diaz gained temporary freedom after Regional Trial Court Branch 10 presiding Judge Maria Theresa San Juan Loquillano signed his release papers after the posted at least P8.7 million surety bond.

Baldo who is facing double murder charges and six counts of frustrated murder posted bail worth P8.7M in surety bond through his mother and legal counsel Merito Lovensky Fernandez.

The suspect was fetched by her mother, Gloria, along with his brother and his two sisters. The youngest sister is now Vice Mayor Ardhail “Ding” Go. There was also his wife, Romella and lawyer Merito Lovensky Fernandez and other relatives who came at the jail.

The former mayor’s temporary liberty shocked the Batocabe family.

Lawyer Justin Batocabe, eldest son of slain party-list representative, expressed dismay over the court’s denial of his motion for reconsideration of Baldo’s application for temporary liberty.

“We are distraught, shocked and afraid because of what happened. We are also amazed at the speed of the judge’s denial of our Motion for Reconsideration,” the younger Batocabe said.

Batocabe’s son said he was surprised that their Motion for Reconsideration filed last September 3 was immediately denied.

Rep. Batocabe and his police escort SP04 Orlando Diaz were killed last December 22 while doling out Christmas gifts to the town’s senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Baldo surrendered to authorities on May 10 following investigation where witnesses pointed to him as the alleged mastermind.

The older Batocabe was running against then incumbent Baldo for mayor, along with then Vice Mayor Victor Perete. Parete eventually won the race against Baldo and Batocabe’s wife who replaced her slain husband-candidate in the last local election.