DILG orders police to make Mayor Halili’s case a ‘top priority’

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 4-A and the Tanauan City Police to give priority to solving the murder case of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili.

“I have directed the PNP specially Calabarzon police director, Police Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza to make this case a top priority,” Año said in a statement on Monday.

Año also condemned the killing of the controversial mayor, who has made criminals participate in a parade around the city on some occasions.

“The DILG vehemently condemns the killing of Mayor Halili and we will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime is brought to justice,” he added.

Halili was killed by a single gunshot wound to his left chest as the city was holding its flag raising ceremony on Monday morning.

According to an initial investigation, the assailant was a sniper positioned 150 meters away from the local executive’s position.

Different video clips showed Halili’s last moments, with one footage showing him tumbling down after being shot.

READ: Controversial Tanauan mayor shot during flag ceremony

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According to Año, he has specifically ordered Carranza to interview witnesses who were at the Tanauan city government’s flag ceremony, to determine the motive in the killing of Halili and identify the suspect.

“Maraming lumulutang na anggulo kaya trabaho ng Special Investigation Task Force na binuo ni P/Chief Supt.Carranza na pag-aralan at imbestigahan ang mga ito para agad na maresolba ang kaso ng pagpatay kay Mayor Halili,” he added.   /vvp