BACOLOD City -The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) on May 7, 2019 said Mayor Magdaleno Peña of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental is diverting the issue in the killing of his nephew and grandson last month.

In a press statement, JB Regalado, spokesman of LPC, said Peña’s accusation that Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garci-Yulo, and Mayors Rhumyla Nicor of La Castellana and Joselito Malabor of Isabela are NPA supporters simply aims to divert the issue that he is behind the ambush on the convoy of Yulo that resulted in the death of Mark and Michael Garcia last April 25,2019.

Regalado said the claims of Pena are all lies and that the three officials are not supporters of the NPA .

He also denied accusations that the NPA is supporting the candidacy of the three because the group is committed to uphold and respect the people’s right of suffrage.

Regalado said they will also “punish” those who will sow intimidation and violate the people’s right to vote.

Peña earlier claimed that his fellow local officials want to turn the military and the police against him.