A suspected top ranking Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army rebel leader in Negros Occidental yesterday said he is prepared to answer the charges against him but expressed fear for his life.

Arturo Moleta was apprehended Wednesday in Bayawan City , Negros Oriental, in a joint operation by the Philippine National Police, the 79th IB, the 61st IB and the 302nd Brigade.

Moleta, 55, alias Ka Kulas, Ka Ronel and Ka Tero, who is from Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, is facing separate charges of rebellion, frustrated murder, murder and robbery-in-band in Negros Occidental, police and military sources said.

He said he started out as a supporter of the CPP-NPA in 1986 at the height of the Martial Law years due to disenchantment with the Marcos dictatorship and later became active in the underground movement after he was enticed by promises of high wages and land ownership.

He said he acted as organizer of the masses in haciendas in Kabankalan before he was finally recruited to become an armed member of the NPA for two years.

He, however, denied that he holds key positions in the CPP-NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon Negros.

Moleta said he went on a lie-low status in 2005 and has taken up residence in Barangay Dawis, Bayawan City , with his wife and 15-year-old son.

He also said he only served two months as KLSW front secretary, and expressed fears that the CPP-NPA might seek retribution now that he has been arrested.

Bayawan police led by deputy police chief Sr. Insp. Mario Junco and army troopers intercepted Moleta on a bus from Dawis en route to the city proper and apprehended him by virtue of arrest warrants issued by different courts in Negros Occidental.

Moleta was transported to Himamaylan, Negros Occidental yesterday morning under heavy guard by Bayawan City police, the Negros Oriental Special Weapons and Tactics team, and personnel from the Negros Oriental provincial police office.*JFP

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