Isabela town mayor vows to hold person behind loss of gov’t funds accountable

BACOLOD CITY — The mayor of Isabela town in Negros Occidental vowed to hold the person behind the loss of government funds in the municipality accountable.

Mayor Irene Montilla said the loss of the funds will definitely be felt before the end of 2023.

Former Isabela municipal treasurer Nenette Mandadero Escarda claimed that the funds of the municipality that she brought home in Bacolod City were stolen by still unknown individuals on January 21.

Escarda said the stolen funds include P3.8 million in checks and P2.6 million in cash.

The Commission on Audit is investigating the P7 million in alleged missing funds from the town treasury, said Provincial Treasurer Amy Grace Bolivar.

Montilla had sought the replacement of Escarda for loss of trust and confidence. Escarda has been reassigned to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office.

The mayor said they are waiting for the full investigation report of the police and the provincial government on the loss of funds before charges can be filed.

Montilla said Escarda was definitely not authorized to bring home any funds belonging to the municipal government.

“The stolen funds were hard-earned money of the people of Isabela,” Montilla said.

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