MOISES Padilla Vice Mayor Adrian Ian Villaflor on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 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).
Villaflor in a statement said he is currently on official leave.
"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.
Villaflor 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.
"Out of my dedication and genuine concern to be able to continue to help and serve our people of Moises Padilla, I cannot take for granted the continuing threats to my life, liberty, and security. I cannot and will not be reckless to ignore the threats which can no longer be taken lightly," he said.
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 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 said.
The La Carlota City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 63 earlier released an arrest warrant for 14 people allegedly involved in Hilario's murder.
Aside from Villaflor, former Isabela town 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 town police back in 2019, Hilario was sleeping when around 50 armed individuals on board three trucks arrived and broke inside the victim's home identifying themselves as insurgents from the NPA.
The suspects shot Hilario multiple times and threatened his wife and children, although they were left unharmed.