BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – A suspected vice commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) was captured following an operation by the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) of the Philippine Army in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental over the weekend.
Authorities identified the arrested as Macario “Lawin” Fat Sr. allegedly of the Section Guerilla Unit of the NPA’s Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
Based on information released by the 62IB, Fat visited his relatives in Sitio Anahaw in the city’s Barangay Sandayao.
The relatives encouraged him to surrender to the Guihulngan City Task Force-ELCAC so as to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities being offered by the government for former rebels.
However when Fat refused to surrender, one of his relatives immediately contacted the army and the police which resulted in his arrest.
Lieutenant Colonel William Pesase, commander of the 62IB, pointed out that Pesase falsely believed he would be killed if he surrendered.
“We have been broadcasting regularly through our radio programs for NPA rebels to surrender peacefully so they will be given another chance at life but it seems that naniniwala siya na papatayin sila kapag mag-surrender,” Pesase said.
Authorities recovered a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines, and 11 live .45 caliber bullets.
Fat is facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and is currently detained at the Guihulngan City police station./PN
