Negros gov to meet with rebel leader

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon and priest-turned-rebel leader Frank Fernandez will meet soon to discuss possible "cooperation in the interest of the masses."

Marañon said Fernandez has sent him text messages expressing his willingness to dialogue with him on matters involving the development of the province.

Marañon is optimistic that the dialogue would benefit the province, saying, "I believe that we cannot have economic prosperity without peace."

Fernandez, however, said the meeting will not be a "peace talk," but just an exchange of ideas that will not "compromise the principles of the revolutionary forces."

He said he intends to discuss with Marañon what he described as the "anti-people and criminal activities" of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army, a breakaway communist group, the police and the military.