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Philippines Mayor Shot Dead in Flag-Raising Ceremony

Philippines Mayor Shot Dead in Flag-Raising Ceremony
Philippines Mayor Shot Dead in Flag-Raising Ceremony

A controversial Philippines mayor who gained notoriety for parading people arrested on drug offenses was shot and killed by a sniper at a flag-raising ceremony at Tanauan City Hall Monday morning.

Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili was killed by a single shot to the chest from an unknown assailant, Police Superintendent Renato Mercado told CNN, in a hit captured on video which showed scenes of panic seconds after the shot was fired.

In the video, Halili is seen standing in a line with government employees as the flag is raised and those in attendance sing the national anthem. ?

As the camera strays to film another group, a single shot rings out, followed by screams and a woman’s voice, saying “oh my God” in English. While the victim is not seen on camera after the shot is fired.

The mayor’s security returned fire, according to state media Philippines News Agency, causing panic as government officials and staff ran for cover.

Halili was declared dead at the Reyes Memorial Hospital in the city less than an hour after the shot was fired around 8 a.m. Monday, attending physician Alexander Carandang said.

Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said a regional special task group had been convened to investigate the killing.

 

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