3 suspects in Negros councilor’s slay surrender

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Three more suspects in the killing of Councilor Jolomar Hilario of Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental in 2019 surrendered on Thursday.

Former Isabela town mayor Joselito Malabor and barangay captains Armando Cordero of Maytubig and Amy Locsin of Sebucawan, also of Isabela town, turned themselves in to Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer.

The three were placed under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Malabor denied allegations that he was involved in the killing of Hilario, saying these were politically motivated.

The counsel of the three suspects, Jomax Ortiz, said his clients were implicated in the murder of Hilario based on the testimony of an inmate.

However, Ortiz said the inmate had executed an affidavit that he was coerced to accuse the three officials.

The New People’s Army had earlier claimed responsibility for the killing of Hilario on March 31, 2019.

The murder complaint filed against Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and her husband has been dismissed.