By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested at Sitio Anahaw, Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last Sunday.
Arrested was Macario Fat Sr., alias “Lawin,” an alleged vice commander of Section Guerilla Unit under Central Negros 1 (CN1), Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
Accordingly, the family of Fat urged him to surrender to the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) so that he can receive benefits and avail of the opportunities from the government, the Army said.
However, Fat reportedly refused to surrender to the authorities. In fact, a relative of his provided information to the Army and the police regarding his presence in the area, according to the Army.
During the apprehension, the alleged rebel yielded a .45 caliber pistol, and two magazines loaded with 11 live ammunitions.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel William Pesase Jr., commander of 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), said the door is always open for those who will give up the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.
“We, the Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will never stop hunting the NPA terrorists to bring peace and development in Central Negros,” Pesase said.
He urged the remaining NPAs to surrender, lay down their arms, and live peacefully together with their families.
