By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Adrian Ian Villaflor yesterday denied rumors that he is in hiding, after reports circulated that there is always a lack of “quorum” in the town’s Sangguniang Bayan (SB).
In a message sent by Villaflor to members of the local media, he is currently on official leave contrary to the “fake news” and the lies being spread around.
“As a dedicated public servant in the town of Moises Padilla, my office continues to perform and fulfill the duties and responsibilities as best as we can,” Villaflor said.
He also affirmed that recent circumstances have continued to put his life in danger and forced him to take the necessary precaution for his personal safety and security as well as for his family.
In response to the warrant of arrest issued against him for the death of Councilor Jolomar Hilario in 2019, Villaflor denied the allegations against him, pointing out the death of Hilario was publicly claimed by the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Implicating us in the crime is totally unfair, uncalled for, and baseless,” he said.
Villaflor said he along with the other individuals named in the warrant have already filed a petition for review from the Department of Justice and they are currently waiting for the results.
“I have been the target of a certain personality in the province who previously had filed a series of trumped up cases against me and were dismissed by the concerned government agencies,” he pointed out.
Earlier, the La Carlota City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 63 has released an arrest warrant for 14 people who were allegedly involved in Hilario’s murder.
Aside from Villaflor, former Isabela 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 were also named in the arrest warrant which was issued by Judge Cyclamen Jison Fernandez, Presiding Judge of La Carlota City RTC – Branch 63, dated February 15, 2021.
Based on an official report by the Moises Padilla police back in 2019, Hilario was sleeping when around 50 armed individuals on board three trucks arrived and broke inside his home identifying themselves as NPA insurgents.
The suspects shot Hilario multiple times, and at the same time threatened his wife and children, although they were left unharmed, police added./DGB, WDJ