Humiding: My group is the true CPLA

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) chairman Arsenio Humiding reiterated his leadership and chairmanship.

Humiding is appealing to the public, “The CPLA I am leading remains to be the true CPLA.”

Humiding said the faction led by Mailed Molina was ousted from the roster of the CPLA years ago, in a collective decision by the majority. “We got rid of undesirable members; we have policed our ranks already.”

Last week, in a confusing turn of events, Mailed Molina was declared as CPLA chairman with Rafael Wasan as Cordillera Bodong Administration head.

Their declaration was backed by the Cordillera Regional Assembly in Baguio City, while in Tubuk City, in a separate meeting, Miguel “Mike” Sugguiyao was declared as chairman, further splitting the CPLA.

Humiding said, “Marami na ang nangyari sa CPLA, nagkaroon ng split. We had a coup de etat against Mailed.”

Humiding said the true CPLA is now in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (Oppap) as seen in the multimillion Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) projects awarded to them and is now batting for completion.

The leadership of Molina is focused on the attainment of autonomy in the region.

Humiding said the CLPA still adopts Cordilleran autonomy as a political program as well as the peace and development for the region.

Humiding said the dynamics of the CPLA has ousted Molina as well as his followers. “Alam na natin ngayon kung sino ang mga miyembro natin.”

He said the election of Molina was attended by people who are not true CPLA members. “Wala silang muwang sa CPLA; they do not know what is happening.”

Humiding said the factions of the CPLA are still involved in the collection of “taxes” or contributions called revolutionary fess from people as well as those claiming ownership at the Paus property along Marcos Highway.

However, CPLA zone commander Melchor Balanse under the Mailed leadership said collection of money from people are always voluntary and said the CPLA leadership is the one protecting people as well as land and property.

Molina has been unavailable for interview and was also not present during the election at the CRA. He was reported to be sick and was declared chairman in absencia at the time of elections.