The New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental is calling on Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla to also take responsibility over the allegedly stolen estimated P7 million funds from the house of a former municipal treasurer.

In a statement released by the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command based in central Negros, they said Montilla still has a “command responsibility” over the incident since the funds come from the taxes of the local residents.

The group also said that sacked municipal treasurer Neneth Escarda must also be held accountable, and are calling on the local government to reveal the truth about the incident as it involves money.

Meanwhile, Montilla assured the municipal employees over the weekend and the local residents that their salaries and delivery of basic services would not be affected.

The police are also continuing their investigation over the incident and will soon forward their findings to the municipal government and the Provincial Legal Office.

Earlier, Montilla said Escarda was already due to be replaced even before the incident occurred, pointing to “loss of trust and confidence.”

“Natingala ko ngaa gindala niya puli with the intention of depositing over the weekend, indi na ‘na ya kasali sa iya duties,” Montilla said.

On January 21, Escarda reported to Bacolod City Police Station 6 that her house in Barangay Taculing had been burglarized.

The robbers carted away P3.8 million in bank checks, as well as cash amounting to P2.6 million.

However, the police observed several oddities in the incident./WDJ