TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental – In a show of force, commanders from the regional units of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) in the Visayas and Mindanao risked security threats and traveled to this northern town to give their full support to their national commanders Carapali Lualhati, Veronica Tabara, alias Inca, and Ariel Sabandar, alias Suk.
The three were allegedly expelled by the central committee of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas.
Admitting that the “misinformation” and “propaganda” launched by RPMP chairman Nilo dela Cruz had a negative impact on their ground troops, Ka Rex, Ka Arnel and Rey Mallari (Negros Oriental), Ka Revo and Ka Bren (Panay), RPA-ABB spokesperson Vic Sumulong, Ka Mayok, of the training academy and Jose Montero claimed they have to act fast to avoid further disillusionment among the ranks.
The commanders also claimed that Lualhati still enjoys the support and confidence of the RPMP/RPA-ABB in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental-Cebu, Bohol, Mindanao, Aklan, Antique and Iloilo.
They also denounced the acts of Dela Cruz who, they said, had lost the confidence of the movement because of “problematic leadership” and involvement in various crimes.
In a statement read by Tabara, the RPMP/RPA-ABB said the “special plenum” which allegedly deliberated and decided their expulsion was a “hurriedly convened meeting and a failed attempt to dissuade party cadres from pursuing action against Dela Cruz, Carlos Magtanggol and their cohorts.
The so-called special plenum did not have the mandate of the whole movement, she said, adding that expulsion can only be done by convening the party congress.
She also said that the provincial party conferences and committees have upheld and given its mandate to sustain the organization’s commitments to the peace agreement with the government.