No sympathy
It is clear that President Duterte has no sympathy for the murdered mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan, Batangas. According to Duterte, Halili was a hypocrite, pretending to be an anti-drug crusader when in fact, he was involved in drugs. Halili was known for his "walk of shame" where alleged criminals were paraded around his town. But his name was also included in the drug list, which he denied. Control of the police was stripped from him because of his alleged involvement in drugs. Duterte adds that Halili was just like Reynaldo Parojinog and Rolando Espinosa, suspected drug lords who were killed in police operations. This is Duterte's statement after Roque said in the vernacular that "We know Mayor Halili. He is a very strong partner of the president in the war against drugs. A very good mayor. Tanauan, Batangas has become one of the most prosperous towns under his leadership. This is a loss not only for the people of Tanauan but also for the Filipino people. We promise the family and his constituents that we will give them justice." One criticizes nonchalantly, while one praises him to high heavens. Such are the conflicting statements that normally come from the Palace.
Duterte does not claim to know who had him killed but suspects it has something to do with drugs. Surprise, surprise. Others are saying that it may be revenge from the family of a victim of an extrajudicial killing. In Cebu, a former government prosecutor was killed while his wife was wounded. The motive behind the crime is unknown. I'm not surprised if it has something to do with drugs as well. Such are the times. Priests are killed, a mayor is killed, lawyers are killed. The police cannot do anything but flaunt that the war on drugs has brought the crime rate down. Arguably, but I'm sure statistics will show that murder or homicide has gone up.
There is a sniper in Batangas. This was the statement by Senator Ralph Recto after the killing of Mayor Halili. The distance from which the mayor was shot would suggest a sniper. No one could have gone near him during the flag ceremony. There is a grassy area in front of the city hall where the sniper could have taken his shot. But just how many snipers are there? To even become a sniper, one has to undergo a lot of rigorous training. Training that can only be provided by the military. Should investigators start asking questions there?
The investigation is underway, with a possible "sniper's nest" already making the news. This will surely change the way politicians are secured, especially those who are already on the drug list; a virtual death list. They no longer seem to have a chance to prove their innocence. It's more a question of how long they can stay alive under this administration.
- Latest
