Guv slams NPA, drug links accusations vs Moises Padilla vice mayor

NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. assailed the accusations against the beleaguered Moises Padilla vice mayor, who has been linked to the New People’s Army (NPA) and the illegal drug trade.

Marañon said Thursday the case of Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and her husband Felix Yulo III should be investigated thoroughly by a proper agency like the Department of Justice.

“There should be an impartial investigation,” the governor said.

Yulo and her husband are facing charges for illegal possession of explosives, a non-bailable offense. They were arrested in a police checkpoint Tuesday night at Crossing Magallon, Moises Padilla for alleged possession of firearms, grenades, and illegal drugs.

The couple, according to Chief Inspector Allan Reloj, town police head, had been under surveillance for quite some time due to their alleged illegal drug activities.

Reloj also linked the vice mayor to the communist rebels although the Philippine Army said they have not monitored a connection between Yulo and the NPA.

Still, Reloj said in a radio interview on Thursday that he has proof of the vice mayor’s links to the rebels, based on the intelligence report he submitted to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office last week.

Yulo had vehemently denied the allegations of the police.

When sought for comment, Marañon said he doesn’t believe in rumors, adding that the NPA should be asked if they have a connection with the vice mayor.

“There must be proof, a concrete proof to support the NPA link,” he added.

He called the allegations as rumors and far-fetched.

“I don’t want to entertain this kind of issues,” he said.

On the reports that Yulo had aligned herself with Marañon’s party, United Negros Alliance (Unega), the governor clarified that Yulo hasn’t join their party.

“She’s not Unega. As far as I know, she hasn’t attended (any party meeting) because she’s not a member of Unega,” he added.

Meanwhile, the vice mayor and her husband are still detained at the Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station.

They were tested negative for drug use following the tests on Wednesday.

The “shabu” that was allegedly confiscated from their possession also tested negative in the laboratory result.

The town police have yet to file the charges for illegal possession of firearms against the couple.

Yulo had cried harassment during the checkpoint, however, her claim was denied by the town police. Marchel P. Espina