FOLLOWING the killing of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili, Malacañang on Tuesday, July 3, assured that the Duterte government does not tolerate a culture of impunity.
In a press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the executive department was also alarmed by the spate of killings in the country.
He assured the families of the murder victims that justice would prevail under President Rodrigo Duterte's watch.
"What we are alarmed at is the fact that it was in broad daylight and in such a public manner. Yes, we share the alarm and that's why we have promised that we will leave no stones unturned in the investigation," Roque said.
"What we can assure you is that we are discharging the state obligation for every murder. We will investigate and accord the victims adequate domestic remedy," he added.
Duterte, in a speech delivered in Maasin City, Leyte on Monday, said he suspected that Halili was killed because of the local chief's alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
Roque said Duterte's remarks would not affect the investigation into the killing of Halili.
"The official statement of the Palace, despite the suspicion of the President, is that of course we are alarmed because killings of this nature should not be happening," Roque said.
"Hayaan natin umusad ang imbestigasyon [sa pag-patay kay Halili]," he added.
(Let the investigation proceed [with regard to Halili's case].)
Halili, who gained popularity for parading around his city alleged drug personalities with placards stating their offenses, was shot dead on Monday, July 2, during flag-raising rites in front of the Tanauan City Hall in Batangas province.
Police said a sniper may have fired the shot, using an M14 rifle.
Opposition senators hit the culture of impunity and the supposed wave of killings under Duterte's leadership. (SunStar Philippines)