CAMP GEN. VICENTE LIM, Calamba City — Police Regional Office – Calabarzon Regional Director Police Chief Supt. Edward Carranza has ordered the creation of a task force to resolve the shooting of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Cando Halili on Monday.
Carranza has designated Senior Supt. Nolasco Bathan, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, to head the “Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Halili”.
“Right now we do not have a definite motive yet but we are looking at all the possibilities like politics, Mayor’s ‘shame campaign’ and his alleged involvement in illegal drug activities,” said Carranza.
The task group will also secure and review CCTV footage from the city hall and other nearby establishments for the identification of the perpetrator or perpetrators.
“Kami po ay nananawagan sa ating mga kababayan na kung sila ay may nalalaman o may impormasyon na makakatulong sa agarang paglutas ng kaso ng pagpatay kay Mayor Halili ay kung maaari ay ipagbigay alam sa ating RD’s Hotline (I am appealing to the public to inform us through our regional director’s hotline any knowledge or information to help us in the early resolution of the case over the killing of Mayor Halili),” Carranza said.
The hotline numbers to contact for any information are (0945) 764-4414; (0908) 777-9992 and (0939) 3227848.
The controversial mayor succumbed to a bullet wound to the chest at around 8:10 a.m. while gracing Monday’s flag raising ceremony at the New Tanauan City Hall grounds in Barangay Natatas.
The mayor was brought to CP Reyes Medical Center by local civil security unit personnel but was pronounced dead around 8:45 a.m. after the attending physician tried to revive the wounded mayor.
Carranza also expressed his condolences to the mayor’s family.
“The entire PRO Calabarzon extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mayor Halili and prays for the repose of his soul,” said Carranza.
The first SITG conference gathered the heads of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division; Regional Crime Laboratory Office; Regional Intelligence Division; Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit; Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Office; Regional Public Information Office and the Regional Legal Service as task group members. (Saul Pa-a/PNA)