RPA-ABB hints at avenging leader’s death

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) did not hide its plans of avenging the killing of its provincial commander in Iloilo last Jan. 25.

In a text message, Ka Rolly, spokesman of the RPM-P/RPA-ABB’s Nilo de la Cruz faction in Panay, condemned the “treacherous killing of Joven “Ka Joven” Tababa.”

Speaking in the local dialect, Ka Rolly said their initial investigation pointed to the New People’s Army as the perpetrator, although  such report was still subject for confirmation. “If proven true, the RPA-ABB will do everything to impose appropriate justice to whoever is responsible,” his text message stated.

The RPA-ABB had regarded Tababa as a “brave and good comrade of the masses.” Tababa’s death is a big blow to the RPA-ABB, but Ka Rolly said more Ka Joven will emerge. 

The 45-year-old Tababa succumbed to 11 gunshot wounds from an M16 armalite rifle and a .45-caliber pistol. He had just fetched his 7-year old daughter from school and was driving a motorcycle on their way to Brgy. Bagacay, Tigbauan, Iloilo, when three armed men tried to flag them down. The suspects peppered Tababa with bullets but left his daughter physically unharmed.

Aside from the ongoing conflict between the NPAs and the breakaway RPA-ABB, investigators also considered a land conflict in Tigbauan village where Tababa stood as witness. But another source pointed that the incident was election-related considering that the victim was allegedly supporting a particular politician.

The following day, Saturday (Jan. 26), an RPA-ABB female member was also killed in her residence at Brgy. Bulho in San Joaquin, Iloilo.

Gina Gestalao, 35, who said to be Tababa’s niece, sustained fatal gunshot wounds in her right breast and left eye inflicted by a .45-caliber pistol. (FREEMAN)