BACOLOD City – The Regional Trial Court (RTC) has acquitted Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental mayor Ella Celestina Yulo and her husband Felix Matias Segundo Yulo III of charges of illegal possession of explosives and firearms.
A 13-page joint order by Presiding Judge Edgar Tupas of RTC Branch 46, dated Nov. 23, 2023, read: “Considering the premises, criminal cases Nos. 5456 and 5457 are hereby dismissed due to insufficient evidence.”
“Felix Matias Segundo and Ella Celestina are hereby acquitted of the offenses charged in these cases,” Judge Tupas stated.
The couple was accused of violating Section 1 of Republic Act (RA) 9516 and RA 10591, following their arrest at a police checkpoint in Barangay Crossing Magallon, Moises Padilla, on Dec. 19, 2017.
During the arrest, two fragmentation grenades and several firearms were allegedly found. At that time, Mayor Yulo was the town’s vice mayor.
A portion of the joint order notes: “The prosecution failed to establish all elements of the crime of illegal possession of explosives attributed to both defendants. Similarly, the prosecution did not prove the first and second elements of the crime of illegal possession of loaded small arms ascribed to the couple.”
The cash bonds the spouses posted for their provisional freedom during the trial were also released.
“The truth will always prevail,” said Mayor Yulo, nearly six years after the charges.
“This shows that justice is not only for the rich; even without connections or money to throw around, justice still prevails,” she emphasized.
Her husband Felix attributed the outcome to their continuous prayers.
“I know He dearly loves us and has granted this to us,” he said.
The couple recalled their seven-month detention at the Negros Occidental District Jail in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, before they were allowed to post bail.
Mayor Yulo also shared that she was handcuffed when she filed her certificate of candidacy./PN
