In search of evidence, cops find a piece of tissue

MANILA - Police investigating the killing of Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili still have no evidence on hand except for a single piece of tissue paper found in the area where the sniper was believed to have positioned himself.

Even the bullet that killed Halili left no trace because it disintegrated upon hitting the mayor's chest, Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza said Tuesday, July 3.

“Wala po tayong narecover d'yan na anything foreign na material except po sa tissue na hinawakan ngayon ng crime lab na baka po may characteristics doon in case mayroon po tayong suspects. As to the foreign object na galing sa baril wala po tayong nakuha d'yan malinis po yan ‘yung lugar na yan,” he said.

(We did not get anything except for the tissue, which is now with the crime lab. We did not get anything from the firearm that was used. The area where the assassin was believed to be hiding is clean.)

“Nag-disintegrate ang bala upon impact sa katawan so ine-establish pa rin po ng ating eksperto na ballistician. May mga na-recover na mga jacket po ng bala sa katawan ng alakalde at ine-establish po kung anong klaseng baril ‘yun,” he said.

Halili was shot dead while singing the national anthem during Monday’s flag ceremony at the city hall.

The police alleged that a sniper had taken the shot using an M14 firearm.

Carranza said the motive of the killing has yet to be determined as investigation continues. Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines