FORMER REBELS. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson greets former communist rebels during the turnover of government financial assistance to former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army rebels at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on June 22, 2022. During his inauguration address on Saturday (June 25, 2022), Lacson said the provincial government is eager to welcome back those who are still active in the rebel movement. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental) BACOLOD CITY - Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has renewed his call to Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) rebels to return to the fold of the law, saying that "choosing peace is always the better choice." Lacson issued the invitation in his inaugural address after taking his oath for a second term during the ceremonies held at the provincial capitol grounds here on Saturday. "To our Negrense brothers and sisters who are still active in