Senators urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to step up efforts in fighting crime amid a spate of killing of mayors, vice mayors, prosecutors and even priests in the country.
Both Senators Sonny Angara and JV Ejercito called on the PNP to and the DILG to exhaust all means to give justice for the death of halili.
“We condemn the killing whatever the motive may be and we ask the PNP and the DILG to exhaust all means to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Angara said.
“Assassination of priests, Mayors, Vice Mayors lately is alarming. This is being done in broad daylight in the presence of many people, during mass, flag ceremony, etc. PNP has to step up!” Ejercito said in a tweet.
On Monday, Tanauan mayor Antonio Halili was shot dead while singing the national anthem during the flag raising ceremony in Batangas province.
Opposition Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV called on the public to reject culture of violence.
Aquino said he was concerned over the killings which were done even in broad daylight.
“Wala nang pinipili ang nagiging biktima. Opisyal ng gobyerno, pari, tambay wala nang ligtas sa panahon ngayon. Wala nang ligtas kahit saan, kahit sino,” he said in a statement.
“Kailangan nating magsama-sama upang labanan ang kultura ng karahasan, para sa ating mga anak at para sa bayan,” he added.
Senator Nancy Binay said the senseless disregard for human life should stop.
“The string of killings of ordinary people, lay persons and priests, former politicians and local officials, spawns a disturbing pattern of lawlessness and indifference to the value of human life,” Binay said.
“We urge the proper authorities to quickly bring the perpetrators to justice,” she added.
/vvp