MANILA, Philippines — The shot that rang during Monday's flag-raising ceremony and killed Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili was recorded by the city’s public information officer.
Tanuan City Public Information Officer Gerry Laresma was taking a Facebook live video of Monday’s flag-raising ceremony when a shot was heard 50 seconds into the recording.
The video showing the local chief executive and other public employees singing "Lupang Hinirang" captured the chaos that ensued after the controversial Tanauan mayor was shot dead.
Halili was declared dead on arrival at CP Reyes Hospital after sustaining a single gunshot wound on his chest, the Batangas Police Provincial Office said.
Halili was earlier dubbed as the Tanauan City version of then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for his campaign against illegal drugs, which included a “Flores de Pusher” walk of shame in early 2016.
In November last year, Halili was named as one of the five Calabarzon mayors who lost control over the police over their alleged involvement in the drug trade which he denied. — Kristine Joy Patag