Silvino “Macao” Gallardo, a legendary former commander of the New People’s Army in Negros during the Marcos regime, passed away at the St Luke’s Medical Center Global City at 7 a.m. Sunday, August 29.
Gallardo, 73, succumbed to multiple organ failure, his niece Tricia Gallardo-Yusay said.
He underwent a heart bypass and aortic valve replacement surgery on Thursday, August 26, she said, but his heart and kidneys failed.
After Gallardo left the rebel movement in the early 1990s he worked for Altertrade Philippines Inc. in Bacolod City, a firm committed to the holistic development of marginalized producers.
He later worked full time as administrative officer and corporate treasurer of The Doctors’ Hospital Inc. in Bacolod City, Yusay, the daughter of his brother Boyjie Gallardo, added.
Yusay said the family is processing the return of Macao Gallardo’s remains to Negros.
He is survived by his wife, Esterlita, and children Silvino, Emmanuel and Michael.
Emmanuel, on his Facebook page, wrote “Thank you dad for everything, I am proud of you for standing (for) what is right and helping people.”*