By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Malacañang has assured that the full hand of the law will be applied in going after the gunmen who killed Ako-Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe and his police escort during a gift-giving activity in Daraga, Albay over the weekend. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar (Richard V. Viñas/Manila Bulletin) Presidential Communications Operations Secretary (PCOO) Martin Andanar made the statement after it was reported that Batocabe and his security detail were killed by still unidentified perpetrators Saturday. In a radio interview, Andanar said the government will not rest until the Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed Batocabe's killers behind bars. "Rest assured that the full hand of the law and the government will be behind this and will be investigated by the Philippine National Police," Andanar said in an interview over Super Radyo DZBB. Andanar also extended his condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones of the lawmaker while hoping that other families will not have to suffer such tragedy at Christmastime. "Naku, napakalungkot para sa pamilya. Tayo po ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ni Congressman (This is sad for the family. We are expressing are condolences to the family of Congressman Batocabe)," he said. "Ang Pasko po ay isang pagkakataon, tayong lahat ay magmahalan; forgive, and also to spread the spirit of Christmas by going to church, magpasalamat at buhay pa tayo at magsalu-salo sa hapag kainan para sa isang pamilya ay hindi na po mangyayari iyan (Christmas is a time for loving; forgiving; and spreading the spirit of Christmas by going to Church, being grateful that we are alive and together at the dinner table, and these are things that one family won’t be having this Christmas)," he added. According to Andanar, he still has not talked to President Duterte about what happened to Batocabe. He, however, assured that the government will never condone such act. "Hindi pa kami nag-uusap ni Presidente about it but then again, pagdating po sa mga ganiyang klaseng assassination, extrajudicial killing, hindi po polisiya ng ating gobyerno iyan (I still haven't talked to the President about it but then again, assassination and extrajudicial killing are not the government's policy)," he said. Meanwhile, new Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles joined his former colleagues in the House of Representatives in mourning the death of Batocabe. Nograles was a member of the Lower House before joining the Duterte Cabinet. "Rep. Batocabe and I entered the House in the same year, and in the time I worked with him, Rep. Batocabe displayed the characteristics of a true legislator: an admirable work ethic, a sincere concern for his constituents, and a firm grasp of the issues affecting them," Nograles said in a statement. "More than that, he was a good friend, a loving husband, and devoted father," he added. "We pray for the eternal repose of the soul of our dear friend, Rodel; for the strength and faith of his family—his beloved spouse Gertie and their children—and for the safety of all Filipinos," he said. Nograles, meanwhile, expressed confidence that Batocabe's killers will be brought to justice. "Those responsible for the senseless death of Rep. Batocabe must be brought to justice. I am confident that the authorities will utilize all the resources available to them to ensure that this crime does not go unpunished, to deliver justice, and to exert all efforts to prevent similar tragedies from happening," he said. Malacañang has denounced the "senseless killing" of the lawmaker and assured that no stone will be left unturned in investigating the brazen murder.