For being tagged in judge Arles slay: Militant groups want party-list disqualified

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two militant groups are asking the Comelec to disqualify Abang Lingkod party-list, the first nominee of which is the national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army—Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).

Six members of the RPA-ABB were tagged in the murder of Kabankalan City Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles last April, prompting the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), to protest the application of Abang Lingkod.

KMU-Negros spokesman Ronald Ian Evidente said Abang Lingkod must be disqualified by the Comelec because the party allegedly represents a gun-for-hire organization supported by landed families in Negros Occidental.

Evidente tagged those who belong to Abang Lingkod as human rights violators and exploiters of sugar workers, adding that the RPA-ABB has been linked to different crimes and human rights violations, including the murder of Arles.

The first nominee of Abang Lingkod is Joseph Stephen Paduano, also known as “Carapali Lualhati,” the national commander of RPA-ABB. The second nominee is incumbent Negros Occidental 3rd District Board Member Patrick Leonard Lacson, son of former Negros Occidental Governor Daniel Lacson Jr., who is now the chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and a known staunch ally of President Benigno Aquino.

KMP-Negros members picketed the Comelec office in Manila last week to call for the disqualification of the Abang Lingkod, which they described as a party-list group of the government-funded RPA-ABB and landlords.

“Abang Lingkod’s attempt to join the party-list elections is an outright mockery of the party-list system,” KMP–Negros secretary general Greg Ratin said. “It is totally revolting that RPA-ABB, through the pseudo party-list Abang Lingkod, claims to be farmers representative when the truth is, they have evolved into a bandit group and private army of landlords especially in areas where agrarian disputes exists,” he said.

Tagged in the murder of Arles, and were issued subpoenas by the Department of Justice (DOJ) last week, were alleged RPA-ABB members Jessie Daguia, Alejandro “Vincent” Capunong, and Eddie Fortunado, who are now in custody of the NBI in Manila; Marvin Salve, vice commander of the RPA-ABB in the 6th district of Negros Occidental, and Gerald Tabujara.

Other suspects issued subpoenas were Ilog town Mayor John Paul Alvarez, son of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., and Emmanuel Medez, an administrative aide of the Ilog municipal government.

Lawyer Frank Britanico, spokesman for the Arles family said they expect the DOJ to issue subpoenas to other suspects, the vice governor himself, Cauayan town Vice Mayor Jerry Tabujara, and Rustom Puro, unit commander of the RPA-ABB in the 6th district, while the case is in progress.

Meanwhile, PB Member Lacson said his candidacy as representative of Abang Lingkod is not yet final. “As far as the Comelec approval for us to participate (in the) party-list (election) is concerned, it is still uncertain,” he said.

Lacson said Abang Lingkod will know by the middle of September if it qualifies as party-list. “As to the nominees, whether it’s Mr. Paduano or me, is immaterial. We also have to look at what’s best for the party. If, as a nominee, I’m hindering the progress of the party then I’m just willing to withdraw anytime and finish my term as board member,” he said.

Lacson, who is qualified for another three-year term as PB member, said he is still in the process of deciding whether he will seek reelection. “In fact, I’m now deciding whether to run again for PB member,” he added.  – THE FREEMAN