Malabor: Killings are a result of tensions between Peña and rebels

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña recently called out Police Regional Office-6  (PRO-6) saying “the ball is now in the hands of the regional police chief” when it comes to dealing with recent killings conducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) in both his town and nearby Isabela.

“I expect [PRO-6 director, Police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao] to do his job,” he said. “I know he will.”

The mayor also thanked the police official in advance, noting, “Go after your targets now, deal with a priest and a pastor.” He did not elaborate on who he was referring to regarding “a priest and a pastor.”

Peña urged Bulalacao to pursue criminals, rebels, and officials who support the NPA.

However, Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor blamed the recent violence on Peña, claiming the killings are taking place due to tensions between the Moises Padilla mayor and the rebel group.

Meanwhile, the NPA condemned authorities for issuing arrest warrants against Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo and her husband, Felix Mathias Segundo Yulo, claiming the couple is being targeted on “fabricated charges.”

The La Carlota City Regional Trial Court-Branch 63 recently issued the warrants following the couple’s arrest last year at a police checkpoint. Police, however, have reported difficulty tracking down wanted pair./DGB, WDJ