MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, July 3, expressed optimism that the Philippine National Police (PNP) would conduct a "fair and thorough" investigation into the killing of Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the government extended its sympathies and condolences to Bote's family.
Roque also gave assurance that Bote's killers would be brought to justice.
"Our deep condolences go to the bereaved family of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote," the Palace official said.
"We are confident that PNP Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, would be able to conduct a fair and thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice," he added.
News reports said Bote was killed in an ambush by unidentified assailants while he was on his way to Cabanatuan City on Tuesday afternoon.
Bote was reportedly declared dead on arrival at the MV Gallego Hospital after sustaining several wounds in different parts of his body.
Bote's death came a day after Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili was gunned down during a flag-raising ceremony held Monday morning at the city hall.
Roque reiterated that the Duterte administration would address the latest killings.
"We assure everyone that we would discharge the state obligation for every murder. We will spare no effort in getting to the bottom of this latest violent crime," he said. (Ruth Abbey Gita/VoxPop Philippines)