Top NPA leader falls
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

An elusive top leader of the New People’s Army in Negros island, who is facing string of criminal cases in court, was arrested by police and military personnel yesterday in Brgy. Zone 2, Cadiz City, which they consider a breakthrough in their internal security campaign.

Apprehended by virtue of arrest warrants for rebellion, robbery-in-band, attempted and frustrated murder was Romeo Nanta, alleged by the military to be the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command, also known as the Apolinario Boy Gatmaitan Command, of the Komiteng Rehiyonal- Negros.

Nanta, with the aliases of Juanito Magbanua, Jack Nanta, Islaw and Kulas, also served as the commander of the NPA in central Negros.

Senator Sergio Osmeña III yesterday said that, while the successful conclusion of the government peace agreement with the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade is likely, it is important that peace efforts with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army also succeed.

Osmeña, who was in Bacolod for the wake of his mother,  Lourdes de La Rama Osmeña, who died Sunday at 98, said he hopes both the government and the CPP-NPA show sincerity and determination to reach a peace settlement.

Until Jose Ma. Sison comes back to the bargaining table, the senator said, he does not see any conclusion to the talks with the CPP-NPA.

Muslims in Negros Occidental prayed for lasting peace in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, as they celebrated the feast of Eidul Adha yesterday, Imam Omar Betita of the Al Dhikr Islamic Center in Bacolod said.

Betita said that what the country needs now is peace amid the socio economic, political and environmental problems we are facing.

He said Muslims, not only in Negros Occidental but in the entire county, will continue to pray for the end of the war in Mindanao so prosperity can be attained.