The Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Office has been directed to investigate the former acting treasurer of Isabela for the loss of the town government’s funds.
“We have received the official endorsement for appropriate legal action,” Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas said Monday, February 6.
Former Isabela acting municipal treasurer Nenette Mandadero Escarda said funds of the municipality that she brought to Bacolod City to be deposited in a bank were stolen from her house at Las Palmas Subdivision in Barangay Taculing, on January 21.
Isabala Mayor Irene Montilla said according to Escarda the amount stolen was P3.8 million in checks and P2.6 million in cash but they are still investigating the exact amount.
The Commission on Audit is investigating about P7 million in alleged missing funds from the town treasury, Provincial Treasurer Amy Grace Bolivar said Thursday.
Montilla had asked Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson for assistance in the investigation of the incident, which was then endorsed to the PLO for action.
Nellas said Isabela has no municipal legal officer that is why the help of the provincial government was sought.
The results of the investigation and recommendations will be forwarded to Montilla who is the disciplining authority of Escarda.*