‘Walk of Truth’ today in support of drug-busting Tanauan mayor
TANAUAN CITY, Batangas — People from all walks of life are set to join today’s mass protest in support of known drug-buster Mayor Antonio Halili of this city – who has been stripped of his power of supervision and control over the local police by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
Halili is among 18 mayors throughout the country who had been stripped of their power over the police by the Napolcom for their supposed involvement in the drug trade – an accusation he and residents rejected as a lie.
City Information Officer Gerard Laresma said the “Walk of Truth” was initiated by and will be participated in by the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) as well as various religious sectoral groups and non-government organizations (NGOs) at the New Tanauan City Hall.
It will be done in conjunction with the “Malawakang Tigil Pasada” or transport holiday declared by the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) Federation in the city, thus, forcing the city government to suspend classes today in all levels in both public and private learning institutions.
Halili cries foul Mayor Halili cried foul on the directive of the Napolcom withdrawing his power of operational supervision and control over the local police.
In a resolution 2017-570 signed by officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Halili and four other local executives in Calabarzon Region have lost their deputation of supervision because of their alleged involvement in illegal drugs activities.
“It’s hard to accept; painful, because as mayor, I have really waged war against illegal drugs. I did everything that I could,” he said in broken English.
“Nawala yung (I’ve lost my) credibility and integrity ko,” said the mayor in reaction to the Napolcom resolution which based its order on the premise that 18 local chief executives were involved in illegal drugs.
Halili added that he never even exercised the power of control to police because he never had the chance to choose any chief of police that were assigned in the city since he assumed office in 2013.
Halili also questioned why every chief of police have been relieved at their post whenever they reported clearing out his name in illegal drugs activity.