CHEERS to Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo and her husband, Felix Mathias Yulo III, for turning themselves in to the authorities in Bacolod City on Tuesday, September 11.
They were subjects of two arrest warrants issued by La Carlota City Regional Trial Court Branch 63 Judge Cyclamen Jison-Fernandez on August 20 after they were charged for illegal possession of explosives, and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
No bail was recommended for the illegal possession of explosives charge while a bail of P200, 000 each was set for the other case.
They were not charged for the illegal drugs allegedly recovered from their vehicle as it was later found out to be fake.
Due to fear for their safety, the couple’s surrender came weeks after the arrest order was released.
They stressed they have no intention of running away as they are innocent of the accusations against them.
The vice mayor said they will face the charges because “this is just a political harassment,” as she insisted the evidence found on their vehicle was “planted.”
Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, director of Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) in Western Visayas, said the couple was presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court of law.
He added their surrender is a manifestation of respect for the rule of law and the justice system, adding that they appreciate this humble act as this will dispense the police of the necessary resources needed to serve the warrants of arrest since they are mandated to enforce the law and implement orders of the court.
He also assured the vice mayor and her husband that their rights will be upheld and they will be accorded with due process of law.
Hope the police will do good in their promise. It would still be a long battle for the Yulos.