Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday asked Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, the new commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, to reduce the number of armed rebels in Negros Occidental and make it more peaceful.

Mabanta and Lt. Col. Efren Morados, new commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in northern Negros, accompanied by Col. Oscar Lactao, commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, paid a courtesy call on Marañon at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday.

Mabanta who presided over the 62nd and 11th Infantry Battalion change of commands in Sagay City and Guihulngan City, said he is aiming the reduce the armed strength of the NPA in Negros, estimated at 250, by 50 percent within a two-year period, through the Internal Peace Security Program Bayanihan.

He said his target is “doable”, citing the all-out support of local government units and the ordinary people, who, he said, are already tired of the violent and extortion activities of the NPA.

Marañon has repeatedly called on the NPA leadership in Negros to join him in the fight against poverty and hunger in the province.

The Apolinario “Boy” Gatmaitan Command has rejected the proposed localized peace talks being pushed by military and police officials in Negros Occidental to give local government officials and Negrenses a respite from violence and killings.*GPB

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