DILG’s Año dismisses ‘pattern’ in killing of mayors linked to criminal activities

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año does not see a "pattern" in the killing of mayors who were being linked to illegal activities, the latest of which was Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas.

"Mahirap sabihing may pattern pero lahat 'yan ay iniimbestigahan ng ating kapulisan on a case-to-case basis," Año said Monday in an interview on News To Go.

"Kung sa imbestigasyon nila may nakita silang pattern ay ire-report naman nila ito."

Before Halili, Leovino Hidalgo, the mayor of Balete, Batangas, was shot dead in June last year. He was previously linked to slain jueteng operator Vic Siman.

Also killed was Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte, a suspected drug lord who was shot while inside detention at the Baybay provincial jail in November 2016.

Despite the three killings, Año said, "Mahirap magbigay ng anumang generalization."

Año also said he doesn't see a connection between the killings and the inclusion in the Duterte administration's "narco-list," or list of politicians who are involved in the illegal narcotics trade.

"Hindi naman siguro [connected] kasi bilang pinunong bayan, sa dami ng responsibilidad, meron diyan na hindi sang-ayon sa ginagawa [nila]," he said.

Halili, shot dead while attending Monday morning's flag ceremony at the city hall, was controversial for parading suspected criminals in public.

Año said it is too early to tell if the "Walk of Shame" is connected with Halili's killing.

"'Di mo masabi na 'yung pinarada niyang drug suspects ay may direct na kinalaman dito unless na may makita tayong corroborating evidence," he said.

"Sa aking palagay, isang — matapang at malakas ang loob ni Mayor para ipahiya ang criminals. Medyo nakadagdag din ito para umiwas ang mga tao na gumawa ng krimen sa bayan. Maaaring may mga nagalit sa kanya sa pagtupad," Año said.

The Walk of Shame was criticized as unconstitutional by the Commission on Human Rights.

"Sa pagkakaalam ko hindi lang naman drug suspects. Pati mga magnanakaw, 'yung mga rapist, lahat ng suspected criminals sa bayan niya ay pinaparada niya," Año said. —With Rie Takumi/KBK/KG, GMA News