The Philippine National Police (PNP) has decided to reopen the investigation into the assassination of Antonio Halili, the former Mayor of Tanauan City, Batangas, who was killed in 2018. This move comes after retired police colonel and former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Royina Garma, made allegations implicating a police official in the murder.
Halili was known for his controversial anti-drug campaign, which included parading drug suspects in public. His murder occurred during a flag-raising ceremony at the Tanauan City Hall, a high-profile event that shocked the nation and drew widespread attention. Despite initial investigations, the case has remained unsolved, with the perpetrator not yet identified.
Garma’s allegations have revived interest in the case. She alleged during a recent congressional hearing that a police officer was responsible for Halili’s death. According to Garma, the officer had bragged about his involvement in the assassination. The claims have prompted the PNP to take a closer look into the case files and evidence surrounding Halili’s murder.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo announced that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is tasked with revisiting the case. The team aims to thoroughly examine all materials, including testimonies and other forms of evidence that were previously gathered. The objective is to find any potential leads that might have been overlooked during the initial investigation.
Garma’s testimony has not only reopened interest in the Halili case but also in other cold cases involving local officials who were killed during the height of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. The PNP is now under heightened scrutiny to ensure that such cases are handled with due diligence and integrity.
While investigations into Halili’s murder and other similar cases persist, the PNP is calling for any individuals with pertinent information to come forward. The goal is to gather more evidence that might lead to a resolution in these cases.
Mayor Antonio Halili’s murder, under circumstances reminiscent of the “Davao model” anti-drug tactics known to be implemented across the Philippines, continues to be a matter of public interest. The model, allegedly used during Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, has been criticized for employing extreme measures in the war against drugs.
As the PNP embarks on this renewed investigation, the department emphasizes its commitment to solving the case with transparency and thoroughness. The public and Halili’s family are hopeful that this time, justice will be served.
