Press Release
July 5, 2018

PDP LABAN condemns killing of party member, demands that the crime be solved

Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, National President of PDP Laban, today said the killers of Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija should be swiftly brought to justice.

"It's a condemnable attack by forces that have no place in our democratic way of life. The attack on the mayor is also an attack on our democracy," Pimentel said in a statement.

Police authorities have launched an immediate investigation following the killing of Bote, whom Pimentel praised as "a loyal party member who was known for his friendliness, generosity, and hands-on governance."

Pimentel added, "The investigation should spare no one and should be swift and credible leading to the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators."

Pimentel also urged the police to take a "pro-active stance" in working with local communities in the maintenance of law and order.

He batted for a "stricter enforcement" of the gun-control law and a more rigorous screening in the issuance of permit to own and carry firearms. He also called for a nationwide crackdown and confiscation and destruction of unlicensed firearms.

Bote's killing came less than forty-eight hours after the mayor of Tanauan City in Batangas, Antonio Halili, was shot and killed by a still unknown assailant while attending the flag ceremony in front of the city hall.

Police authorities have not apprehended any suspect in either killing.

"The twin killings of local officials have shaken not only the families of the victims but ordinary Filipinos who believe in a safe and peaceful way of life," Pimentel said.

The PDP Laban President asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies like the NBI to strengthen their crime-solving competence and solve this particular crime.

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