Police: There may have been 2 gunmen in Halili slay

MALACAÑANG on Monday, July 2, assured that justice will be served for Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas, who was shot dead during the flag ceremony in front of the city hall, as the police formed a task force to investigate the killing.

The mayor, who was known for ordering suspected drug personalities to take a "walk of shame," was shot by an unidentified sniper using an M14 firearm at around 7:30 a.m., while he and other city officials and employees were singing the national anthem.

Police activated on Monday a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) for the investigation into the killing of the mayor.

Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza said the SITG will consider all the possible information which may lead to the identification and the arrest of the gunman.

"Lahat po ng anggulo ay ating sisilipin, maging politika, personal, at iba pa pong makuha," he said.

(We are looking at all angles - politics, personal and others.)

Carranza said they were looking at the possibility that there may have been one to two gunmen.

"Ang bala po ay nanggaling sa masukal... sa kanang bahagi po. Sa pinaggaganapan po ng flag-raising. Ang gunman po ay nagmula sa northwest na bahagi ng city hall," he said.

(The bullet came from the right. The gunman was believed to be positioned northwest of the city hall.)

Tanauan Police Chief Superintendent Renato Mercado said the assailant was in an elevated position at least 150 meters away from Halili.

Mercado said he already assigned policemen who will augment the security escorts of Halili’s family.

A Facebook live video taken by Tanauan City public information officer Gerry Laresma showed Halili standing with other city officials during the singing of the national anthem when a gunshot rang out.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the Palace extended its condolences and sympathies to Halili's family.

The Palace official vowed that the government would seek justice for the slain Tanuan mayor.

"Alam natin ang Tanauan naman ay napakatahimik na lugar na. Diyan po ngayon ang napakadaming industriya. At nakalulungkot po na may ganitong karahasan na nangyari diyan sa Tanauan. Nakikiramay po kami sa pamilya ni Mayor [Halili] at sa buong bayan po ng Tanauan sa probinsya ng Batangas," Roque said in a radio interview.

(We all know that Tanauan is a peaceful place. Industries are growing there. And it is saddening that there is such violence that occurred in Tanauan. We extend our condolences to the family of Mayor [Halili] and to Tanauan residents in Batangas province.)

"Lahat po gagawin para malutas itong latest na pag-patay na ito. Bibigyan po natin ng katarungan ang pamilya ni Mayor Halili at ang bayan ng Tanauan sa probinsya ng Batangas," he added.

(We will do all our best to solve the latest killing [of Halili]. We will give justice to Mayor Halili's family and to the residents of Tanauan City in Batangas province.)

Halili made headlines in 2016 for initiating a "Walk of Shame" program, which parades alleged drug suspects around his turf.

In November last year, Halili was stripped of supervision and control over the police in his town for alleged links to illegal drugs. The mayor, however, had denied his supposed involvement in narcotics sale.

Roque said he was saddened by the death of Halili, who was known for his fight against illegal drugs and his dedication to improve the lives of residents of Tanauan City.

"Nakilala ko pong personal si Mayor Halili. Ako po ay talagang nagulantang sa napakalungkot na balitang ito. [Kilala siya] hindi lang po laban sa illegal na droga, kung hindi isa po ngayon ang pinakamaunlad na bayan ang Tanauan sa liderator po ni Mayor Halili," he said.

(I have personally known Mayor Halili. I am really shocked and saddened by the news that he was killed. He is known not only for his fight against illegal drugs, but for also making Tanauan as one of the most developed cities under Mayor Halili's leadership.)