BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The vice mayor of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, Adrian Ian Villaflor, denied rumors he was hiding, after it was reported there was a lack of “quorum” in the town’s Sangguniang Bayan (SB).
In a message to the media, Villaflor clarified he was only on official leave.
“As a dedicated public servant in the town of Moises Padilla, my office continues to perform and fulfill our duties and responsibilities as best as we can,” Villaflor said.
He also explained how recent circumstances put his life in danger, forcing him to take necessary precautions.
While affirming his “dedication and genuine concern to help and serve our people”, Villaflor said he could “not take for granted the continuing threats to my life, liberty and security. I cannot and will not be reckless to ignore the threats which can no longer be taken lightly.”
Reacting to the arrest warrant issued against him in a case related to the death of Councilor Jolomar Hilario in 2019, Villaflor denied the charge, pointing out that the New People’s Army (NPA) already admitted to the crime.
“Implicating us in the crime is totally unfair, uncalled for and baseless,” he said.
Villaflor said he and other individuals listed in the arrest warrant have already filed a petition to the Department of Justice.
“I have been the target…of trumped up cases… that were dismissed by concerned government agencies,” he said.
Earlier, the La Carlota City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 63 released an arrest warrant for 14 people charged in Hilario’s murder.
Aside from Villaflor, other persons issued the arrest warrant were former Isabela town mayor Joselito Malabor, Vincent Garcia, Felisa Flores-Villaflor, Jonathan Villaflor, Jose Morito Flores, Jimmie Don Plaza, Amy Locsin, Armando Cordero, Roel Bero Sarillo, Jason Ledio Abria, Raymond Estorca Gabitanan, Richard Gelonga Sarillo Jr., and Joemer Salgado Pablo.
The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Cyclamen Jison Fernandez, Presiding Judge of La Carlota City RTC Branch 63, on Feb. 15, 2021.
Based on the official report of the Moises Padilla town police in 2019, Hilario was sleeping when some 50 armed individuals arrived aboard trucks and broke into his house.
They identified themselves as NPA insurgents.
Hilario was shot multiple times. They also threatened his wife and children, although they were eventually left unharmed./PN
