MANILA – Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III assured that the death of Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija will be given 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,” Pimental said.
Pimentel and Bote are Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) partymates.
Pimental, who sits as the current PDP-Laban national president, said Bote was a “loyal party member who was known for his friendliness, generosity, and hands-on governance.”
The Philippine National Police has launched an investigation into the killing of Bote, who was shot dead by motorcycle-borne gunmen on Tuesday afternoon.
“The investigation should spare no one and should be swift and credible leading to the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators,” Pimentel said as he urged the police to take a “pro-active stance” in working with local communities in the maintenance of law and order.
The senator also pushed for a “stricter enforcement” of the gun-control law and a more rigorous screening in the issuance of permit to own and carry firearms./PN
