By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, said detained National Democratic Front (NDF) spokesperson Ka Frank Fernandez has yet to receive additional criminal charges following his arrest last month in Liliw, Laguna.

According to Arevalo, Fernandez, along with his wife Cleofe, had already been arraigned for charges of murder,

He explained, they are now waiting on the legal process regarding the matter.

Arevalo stated their current objective is to maintain the NDF official’s health.

The 303IB commander said although they have yet to receive additional complaints against Fernandez, he believes the murder charges are enough.

Arevalo said he believes additional charges have yet to surface since most of Fernandez’ crimes took place at least 30 years ago; however, he still believes additional charges are still possible.

“We can only encourage the victims of the [New People’s Army (NPA)] to surface and file charges against him,” he added.

The general had earlier urged the victims of NPA atrocities in Negros to file additional charges against the NDF spokesperson.

Arevalo said many innocent people were killed because of Fernandez, adding, he is not only the NDF spokesperson but also an NPA leader in Negros.

“He is the one who directly gave orders to rebel combatants as to what they would attack and who they will ambush,” Arevalo said./DGB, WDJ