Investigators find rifle bipod marks near supposed ‘sniper hole’

Police have found marks of a rifle bipod—a two-legged stand for a long gun —near what they suspect to be the hole the sniper used to gun down Tanauan Mayor Antonio Halili.

A report by Emil Sumangil in 24 Oras on Thursday showed the Special Investigation Task Group studying the elevated patch of grass about 22 meters from where Halili stood during the ill-fated flag raising ceremony.

The report added that based on the size of the hole, the shooter did not use an optical sighting device or scope during the assassination because it would not have fit. Even if he did have an optical scope, the grass would have blocked his line of sight.

A full metal jacket, a type of low-quality bullet, is thought to have been used by the gunman, because special ammunition would have exited Halili's body instead of disintegrating inside.

Investigators also found at least five trails one can enter and exit the elevated position where the sniper hid in. The SITG could not pinpoint which trail the sniper used.

However, investigators said it is clear that the sniper repeatedly positioned himself in his nest before the assassination occurred.

Halili, controversial for his shame campaign on suspected criminals, was felled by a single bullet on Monday morning while attending a flag-raising ceremony at the city hall. — Jessica Bartolome/BM, GMA News