Palace Reacts To Rumors That Mayor Halili’s Death Is ‘State-Sponsored’

Is Mayor Halili’s death ‘state-sponsored’? Palace Reacts to Rumors

MAYOR HALILI – The Malacañang Palace reacted to the rumors that the death of Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili was state-sponsored.

Recently, Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas passed away after an unidentified person shot him in front of the city hall.

The politician, together with some government officials and employees, were attending the flag-raising ceremony when the unexpected incident happened. They were reportedly on the last part of the national anthem when the incident took place.

Based on a report, actual footage showed the government officials and employees running to safety. Mayor Halili fell on the ground and there were men who came to the politician.

Mayor Antonio Halili
Photo lifted from Aljazeera.com [AP Image]
A group of men carried Mayor Halili to a vehicle. However, according to the report, the Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor was declared dead on arrival at CP Reyes Hospital.

The family, friends, fellow government officials, and supporters of the politician want justice for his death. According to a report, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed his speculation that the death of the Mayor is drug-related.

“Earlier, it’s Halili [of] Batangas. His procession of drug suspects was just a front. It’s him,” the 73-year-old President expressed.

Angeline, the daughter of Mayor Halili, expressed that Pres. Duterte received the wrong information about her father. She stressed that the mayor is protecting his constituents from those people who are engaging in drugs.

There are lots of rumors surrounding the death of the Tanauan City Mayor. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, there is also a rumor that his death is “state-sponsored”.

The Palace has already given its side on the allegation. According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, it remains as an “unfounded” speculation as the police are still investigating the incident.

“Apparently iba’t ibang aspeto ngayon ang lumalabas… Mayroong aspeto na it was borne out of the drug trade. Although mayroon pang dalawang anggulo- pulitika at negosyo,” Roque expressed at the press briefing.

Harry Roque
Photo Courtesy of JOAN BONDOC / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Mayor Halili is one of those politicians who are included on the list of officials who are suspected to be involved in the drug trade. Based on the report, the Presidential Spokesperson stressed that there is no mandate to take the lives of those people on the list.

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Read also the previous article: Mayor Antonio Halili’s Shooter Location In Performing Crime Exposed

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