ARRESTED. A suspected leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) was arrested by 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers on Sunday (June 12, 2022) in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. The suspect, Macario Fat Sr., yielded a firearm and live ammunition. (Photos courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)
DUMAGUETE CITY – A suspected leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) operating in northern Negros was arrested during sustained military operations by the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) of the Philippine Army in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental over the weekend.
The suspect was identified as Macario Fat Sr., alias Lawin, Section Guerrilla Unit vice commander under the Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor (KR-NCBS) of the New People's Army, a report from the 62IB said.
Fat was arrested Sunday at Sitio Anahaw in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, and yielded a .45 caliber pistol, two magazines, and 11 rounds of live ammunition.
In an interview on Monday with the Philippine News Agency, Lt. Col. William Pesase, 62IB commander, said they received information from civilians on Fat’s presence at his residence.
“He was still in full gear and carrying a firearm when the troops arrived and so he was arrested. Luckily, he did not put up any resistance,” Pesase said.
He said the family of Fat encouraged him to surrender to the local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) in Guihulngan City so he can avail himself of benefits for former rebels from the government.
“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 sila (he believed they will be killed once they surrender),” Pesase said.
Fat was turned over to the police for custody pending the filing of charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act against him.
Pesase said Fat has a son, Macario Jr., who is also active in the NPA underground movement.
“We, the Army and the PNP (Philippine National Police) will never stop hunting the NPA terrorist(s) to bring peace and development in Central Negros,” Pesase said, adding that they are always open to receiving those who will surrender with the assurance that the local TF-ELCAC will help facilitate the necessary assistance for them.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)
