By Lyka Manalo TANAUAN CITY, Batangas — Mayor Antonio Halili’s son believed that his father’s political rivals and drug lords might be behind his assassination. Relatives and supporters attend the burial rites of former Tanauan Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili at Batangas on Sunday. (Photo by Jansen Romero/MANILA BULLETIN) “Nararamdaman ko ang mga gumawa lang niyan kalaban sa politika and yung mga drug lords na yan (I have a feeling that his political opponents and those drug lords did this to my father) ” said Mark Anthony Halili, son of the slain mayor, during a necrological service on Sunday. He said he was at the Rotary Club convention in Canada when Halili was killed and still could hardly believe that his father is now dead. Mark Anthony requested Halili’s supporters to pray for his dad’s soul. Meanwhile, Halili’s grandchildren paid a tribute to their ‘Grandpa’ by singing one of his favorite songs - ‘Bed of Roses’. Eldest grandchild Juliana Ramirez described Halili as a ‘joker,’ sweet, but strict. “As a kid, I was a very picky eater. My grandma and grandpa would make sure that I finished my food even if it took me three hours. So for breakfast, grandpa was frustrated, he was like, just go outside, eat with the dogs, go outside with the dogs. That was how I finished my food,” Juliana narrated. She said Halili was their hero and they are proud of what Halili has done. “We can only hope that we can grow up to be as courageous, selfless and honest as you are, I love you so much,” Juliana said. Mayor Halili’s daughter, Mary Angeline said it only showed that his dad was not only strict in implementing rules while being the chief executive in Tanauan but also at home. Halili is survived by his wife Gina, daughters Vernadette, Toni Ann, Mary Angeline, and son Mark Anthony. Posthumous Award Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas personally gave to the family of the late mayor a posthumous award of recognition during a necrological service held at the city hall grounds. Mandanas said the award was given to Halili for having served with honor, dedication, and distinction as mayor and public servant of Tanauan City. The governor also announced that the emergency room of Laurel District Hospital will be named after Halili. He said the said hospital is nearer to the city hall but Halili was instead taken to a private hospital in the city which is a bit far. Meanwhile, the town of San Antonio, Nueva Ecija where Mayor Halili was born, approved a resolution of deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family. San Antonio town Vice Mayor Julie Maxwell personally gave a copy of the resolution to Halili’s family during the necrological service. She said the sisterhood between San Antonio and Tanauan City will remain.