Palace condemns killing of Tanauan mayor

July 2, 2018

Malacanang condemned on Monday the killing of Tanauan City mayor, who is allegedly in the government's list of politicians involved in illegal drugs, and vowed that justice would be served.

In a press briefing in Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace condoles with the family of Tanauan Mayor Antonio Halili, who was shot dead during a flag-raising ceremony.

"We condemn this kind of violence. We recognize Mayor Halili as mayor of one of the most progressive towns in Batangas, that's Tanauan," he said.

"And the Palace promises that justice will be served for his death, there will be a swift investigation and litigation of those people responsible for the killing," Roque added.

He noted that Halili was known for his shame campaign against suspected drug pushers.

But Roque said the National Police Commission also removed Halili's power over the police.

"So I don't know the relationship of drug list on the killing of Mayor Halili. But you can argue both ways. Because others recognized him as a pillar of the campaign against illegal drugs, the reason why the human rights (groups were complaining about his shaming campaign. But at the same time, he was included in the narco-list," Roque explained.

But he said there was no basis to come up with a conclusion right now because there will still be an investigation to be conducted. Celerina Monte/DMS