KALIBO, Aklan – Gov. Florencio Miraflores urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure the safety of former members of the Revolutionary Ploretariat Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).
It could be recalled that around 700 former RPA-ABB members across the country met with President Rodrigo Duterte recently at the Philippine Army camp in Jamindan, Capiz. Around 200 of them were Aklanons.
“The former RPA-ABB members have no firearms right now to defend themselves. They have been decommissioned by the government, thus, they are wary of their personal security,” said Miraflores during the third quarter of the Aklan Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting here on Monday.
In 1990s, the RPA-ABB, which served as the sparrow unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, decided to separate from the latter.
In 2000, the RPA-ABB locally known as the “Kapatiran” forged alliance with the government.
“It was the start of the peace process through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process,” Miraflores added.
“The Ibajay town in Aklan is now known all over the country to have a most modern and advanced peace agreement with the RPA-ABB. They now have livelihood, concrete roads and soon a house promised by President Duterte,” said Miraflores./PN
