Wednesday, May 23, 2007 RPA-ABB commander tagged 'neurotic gangster' By Ma. Ester L. Espina
THE tides are changing for revolutionary leader, Stephen Paduano, who is the target of criticism from his comrades for alleged political partisanship and terrorism acts committed during the recent elections.
Paduano, alias Carpali Lualhati, is the national commander of the breakaway Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, the armed group of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas.
After his recent expulsion from the movement together with Veronica Tabara and Ariel Sabandar, the RPM-P leadership is calling all Negrenses to condemn Carapali whom they described a "neurotic gangster."
In a press statement signed by RPA-ABB Spokesperson Miguel Guevarra, the group "condemns in the strongest term possible the atrocities" Carapali allegedly committed.
"We are particularly indignant of Carapali Lualhati's conduct to subvert the political will of the men, women and young people of Negros when, according to media reports, he and his men forcibly swooped down on the houses of these Negrenses, telling them not to vote for a candidate who is a rival of a politician whom Lualhati was supporting."
Guevarra was referring to the incident in E.B. Magalona, where armed RPA rebels allegedly threatened about 35 supporters of Mayor Alfonso Gamboa and tainting their fingers with indelible ink to prevent them from casting their votes on the eve of the elections.
He was also alluding to the public pronouncement of Carapali endorsing mayoralty winner, David Lacson.
Carapali however laughed off the daily tirade against him saying all the statements are fabricated and "it's funny because I don't even know who this Miguel Guevarra is."
He also said he'd rather wait until his other comrades arrive on Friday "so we can give a more comprehensive answer to all the lies they have been spreading."
As to his alleged expulsion signed by RPM-P chairman, Nilo de la Cruz, Carapali said if true, "That is usurpation of authority because the leadership knows that only members of the Congress can decide on the expulsion of any member."
In their statement, the RPA claims they have subjected Carapali to eight months of investigation and discovered that he is guilty of "disseminating lies and intrigues and for leading acts that vilified the Party leadership and the whole organization.
Guevarra further stated that Carapali's "use of force is a desperate move to save face for his extreme partisan politics to gain more favors."
"We find his shameless self-promotion and conquest of selfish interests as marks of a mercenary, far from being a revolutionary. Carapali Lualhati's king-like actuations have put Negrenses in constant fear for their welfare, a perception only made against people characterized as neurotic gangsters," the statement said.
The Miranda Doctrine could be fatal in the case," he said, adding despite the strength of evidence, a case may be dismissed due to some technicalities during the arrest.
