Ka Frank Fernandez (center) answers questions from the media somewhere in southern Negros yesterday* ( Shiela Gelera photo )
The elusive Frank Fernandez, a former priest-turned spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Negros, who was rumored to be dead, is alive and well.
Contrary to reports that he was ailing and dying, Fernandez yesterday challenged Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., 81, to a marathon in the mountains going to their guerrilla camp.
Fernandez answered questions from the media in a clandestine press conference at a peace forum somewhere in southern Negros,which was also attended by his wife Cleofe Lagtapon and KaJuanito Magbanua of the New People's Army.
In 2014, Marañon had offered to provide medical assistance to the reportedly ailing Fernandez, who was also tagged by the military as the secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros.
Fernandez said their enemies may think that if he dies, the force of the rebels will weaken, but it will not.
“The people know that the revolutionary movement is alive, not because of Frank Fernandez, but the masses keep the revolution alive,” he said.
As one ages, Fernandez said, illnesses can occur, but the ones he had are only minor and could be managed by their medical staff.
Fernandez's last public appearance was reportedly 30 years ago during peace talks in Bacolod City between the rebels and the administration of late president Corazon Aquino in 1986.
Tagged by the military as the number 1 most wanted rebel in Negros, Fernandez is facing murder and frustrated murder charges, and there is a P7.8 million bounty for his arrest.
Meanwhile, asked to rate President Rodrigo Duterte in his first six months performance, being 1 as the lowest and 10 as the highest, Fernandez said it is 5.
Duterte considers the United States as his number one enemy, but being anti-US is not enough, since many Filipinos are still working and staying in US. He should also end the capitalist system which is an evil itself, Fernandez said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/December/23/topstory1.htm
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