Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña yesterday lauded municipal police chief, Police Chief Inspector Alan Reloj, for taking the lead in the arrest of town Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo, last Tuesday.

In a report by Bombo Radyo-Bacolod, Peña said he gave an order to place Garcia-Yulo under surveillance, which lasted for three months.

The order corroborates the earlier claim made by Reloj, saying she had been under surveillance by local police, in response to Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., affirming neither the vice mayor or her husband were on a provincial watchlist.

Peña also noted, constituents claimed he never goes after his family when it comes to suspicions of illegal drugs. Garcia-Yulo is his niece.

He added, between 2013 and 2016, while she served as mayor, the drug situation in the municipality worsened.

Peña also claimed nine police chiefs were removed from their post during her term after arresting drug dealers operating in the town.

The mayor voiced his agreement with Reloj’s accusations claiming Garcia-Yulo is a New People’s Army (NPA) supporter.

In addition, with Garcia-Yulo unavailable to serve her position while under arrest, Town Councilor Romulo Fajardo is expected to assume the post of acting vice mayor, who Peña  also believes to be an NPA supporter./DGB, WDJ