Lacson urges cops to consider stricter gun control amid spate of killings

FILE: “The killing of priests, prosecutors, and former and incumbent local officials in broad daylight and in full view of the public may be suggestive of the impunity and brazenness of those responsible for such acts,” Lacson said in a statement. (Photo: Senator Ping Lacson/Facebook)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) should ‘immediately’ consider implementing stricter gun control measures amid the recent string of killings, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged on Monday, July 2.

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

If not taunted, the senator said the police force should feel ‘challenged,’ and that they must impose stricter firearms control strategies before similar incidents could “reach ubiquitous levels.”

Lacson’s remarks came after Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili was gunned down during a flag-raising ceremony in his town early Monday.

[READ: Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili shot dead]

In a Facebook Live video posted by Tanuan City Public Information Officer Gerry Laresma, Halili, along with other city hall employees, were singing the Philippine national anthem when a gunshot was heard from the scene.

According to the Police Regional Office-4, the mayor was rushed to CP Reyes Medical Hospital but was declared dead on arrival at 8:45 a.m. Halili died from a gunshot wound to his chest.

Malacañang condemned the killing of Halili and assured that it will bring justice to the bereaved family and constituents of the slain mayor, adding that it would conduct an investigation and punish those who are behind the killing.

“Ito po’y isang napakatibay na kasangga ng Presidente [President Rodrigo Duterte] sa gyera laban sa droga. Siya po’y napakahusay na alkalde. Sa kanyang pamumuno po naging isa sa pinakamaunlad na bayan ang Tanauan (Halili was a strong ally of the President on his war against drugs. Halili was an excellent city mayor. Under his leadership, the city of Tanauan become one of the progressive cities),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said on Monday.

Halili was known for his “walk of shame” campaign where criminals carrying “Wag tularan” slogan paraded around his town.

In 2017, Halili was stripped off of control over the police force for his supposed involvement in the drug trade. The mayor, however, denied the allegations.

When sought for a comment regarding the issue, Roque refused to give a statement, stressing that the priority is to serve justice first.

“Sa ngayon po siguro makikiramay muna kami sa pamilya ng napaslang na Mayor Halili. Saka na po natin pag-usapan ‘yan (For now, maybe we will first extend our condolences to the family of the slain mayor. Let’s talk about it later),” the Palace official said.