MANILA - A mayor accused of orchestrating the murder of AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe was rushed to the hospital, hours after he was arrested for illegal possession of firearms, police confirmed Wednesday.

Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo was admitted to a hospital in Legazpi City around 11 p.m. Tuesday after he hyperventilated inside his detention cell, said Senior Supt. Arnold Ardiente, chief of the Bicol police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Baldo has a history of asthma. His blood pressure also shot up, said Ardiente.

Doctors have yet to say when the mayor can be released from the hospital.

Baldo was scheduled to undergo inquest proceedings on Wednesday.

Six gunmen in police custody earlier alleged that Baldo offered P3 million for the assassination of Batocabe, a challenger in his bid for reelection in May.

The lawmaker was gunned down with his police escort on Dec. 22 after a Christmas gift-giving event in Daraga, where at least 6 other senior citizens were wounded.

Baldo denied any involvement in the crime, dubbing himself as "a convenient scapegoat."

He was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after police seized several unlicensed firearms in his house.

- Report from Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News