Wake for Tanauan Mayor Halili open to the public

The wake of Mayor Antonio Halili was opened for public viewing in Tanauan City, Batangas Monday night.

The wake is being held in a gymnasium in the family's compound, according to James Agustin's report on Unang Balita Tuesday.

Labi ni Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili, nakaburol na sa kanyang tahanan sa Batangas. @gmanews @dzbb pic.twitter.com/FvapWoKV8E

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) July 2, 2018

Halili's family had a few private hours prior to opening the wake for public viewing around 9 p.m. Monday night.

Tanauan City Information Officer Gerry Laresma mentioned that the family already decided that they will hold a public viewing for the wake.

"The family already decided na this will be public viewing, 'yung wake ng aming beloved mayor," Laresma said.

Halili's grandchildren dedicated the song "Bed of Roses" in memory of their slain grandfather since it was his favorite song to sing when he was running for mayor.

His wife, Angelina, stayed by her husband's coffin during the wake.

Angeline, one of his children, remembered Halili as a loving, sweet, and supportive father.

The mayor's oldest child Mark Anthony is scheduled to arrive from Canada on Tuesday after attending an international convention.

Halili's family considers his anti-drug campaign, or even politics, as possible motives for his killing. He was fatally shot while a flag ceremony was going on at the city hall on Monday morning.

Batangas 3rd District Representative Theresa "Maitet" Collantes attended the wake and mentioned that she just saw Halili during the oath taking of newly elected barangay officials.

"Tanauan City has lost a good public servant. He is a very good person at tsaka siya talaga, ang kaniyang mga gusto is para sa kabutihan ng mga Tanaueños. Para sa ikauunlad ng aming lungsod," she added.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano both sent flowers.

The Halili family has not yet set a date for his funeral. —Maia Tria/KG, GMA News