By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Embattled Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo filed counter affidavits last Wednesday, following her recent arrest over allegations of links to the New People’s Army (NPA), along with illegal firearms and illegal drugs possession.

In her affidavits, she called the illegal possession of explosives charges filed against her and her husband are based “purely on highly malicious, erroneous and fabricated accusations.”

Garcia-Yulo said the accusations made by Moises Padilla municipal police chief, Police Chief Inspector Alan Reloj, are intended as harassment and intimidation.

She also claimed the charges were brought forward as revenge after, during her tenure as mayor, administrative and criminal cases were filed against Reloj and his men.

Both Garcia-Yulo and her husband, Felix Mathias Yulo, denied owning the explosives, as well as the two sachets of suspected shabu police recovered from their vehicles.

The shabu eventually turned out to be a “fake” after being subject to tests at the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial lab.

Both individuals also tested negative for drug use.

The vice mayor also called the checkpoint and subsequent search by law enforcement “illegal.”

Garcia-Yulo also reiterated claims she was forcibly dragged out of their vehicle and handcuffed; a point earlier echoed by Provincial Board Member Alain Gatuslao, who questioned the actions taken by police and suspected they may have broken checkpoint protocol.

The couple’s lawyer, Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, expressed optimism the case against his clients will be dismissed.

Garcia-Yulo has also sought the assistance of Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr./DGB, WDJ