Lacson urges tightening of gun control measures after killing of Tanauan mayor

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Monday called on the Philippine National Police to consider toughening gun control measures amid the recent spate of killings.

In a statement, Lacson said the killings of priests, prosecutors, and former and incumbent local officials in broad daylight “may be suggestive of the impunity and brazenness of those responsible for such acts.”

The former police chief said the PNP should be challenged.

“And they must immediately consider stricter firearms control strategies before similar killings could reach ubiquitous levels,” he added.

READ: Controversial Tanauan Mayor Halili shot dead during flag-raising ceremony

Lacson’s statement comes on the heels of the killing of Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili Monday morning.

The mayor, who has initiated the walk of shame campaign for suspected drug pushers and users, was gunned down by an unidentified assailant during a flag raising ceremony in his city Monday.

Malacañang vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

Last month, Fr. Richmond Nilo became the third clergymen who killed in a gun attack. PNP on Monday announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind in the killing of the Nueva Ecija priest.