THE vice mayor of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental and her husband, who were arrested by the police for alleged possession of firearms, grenades and illegal drugs, were released from custody over the weekend due to insufficient evidence.
This was confirmed to SunStar Bacolod Sunday night, January 8, by Vice Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo, who came home to her family Saturday evening after staying in police detention with husband Felix Yulo III for about three weeks.
The couple were arrested in a police checkpoint on December 19 at Crossing Magallon, Moises Padilla. They were charged for illegal possession of explosives, a non-bailable offense, and firearms.
However, the Provincial Prosecutor ruled in favor of the couple.
The illegal possession of explosives case had "no leg to stand on," according to the resolution approved by Provincial Prosecutor Ma. Consolacion Bascug on December 29, she said.
On the illegal possession of firearms charge, there is insufficient evidence to continue with the inquest investigation without prejudice to the conduct of regular preliminary investigation, she said.
Bascug added that the police has not submitted to the prosecutor the firearms that were supposedly recovered from their possession.
No drug charges were filed against the couple as the "shabu" allegedly confiscated from their possession tested negative, based on the laboratory result.
The vice mayor said she is hopeful that all of the charges against them will be dismissed.
Garcia-Yulo said she will meet with their lawyer today for their next move, adding that they will file charges against Chief Inspector Allan Reloj, head of Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station, for various violations they committed during the checkpoint.
Earlier, the vice mayor claimed the town police harassed them, but Reloj denied the accusation.
For his part, Councilor Michael Garcia, brother of the vice mayor, said they will seek the help of the provincial police to put security detail for his sister.
Garcia said they will continue to fight for justice.
The family will also ask the help of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa as they believed the allegations against the vice mayor was orchestrated by Reloj.
They also want the police chief to be relieved from his post.