AKLAN Governor Florencio Miraflores urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the safety of members of the Revolutionary Proletariat Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).
This came after about 700 RPA-ABB members from all over the country met with President Rodrigo Duterte last week inside the Philippine Army camp in Jamindan, Capiz. Around 200 of them are Aklanons.
"The RPA-ABB has 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 meeting of the Aklan Provincial Peace and Order Council Monday afternoon, September 30.
In the 1990s, the RPA-ABB, which then served as the sparrow unit of the NPA, decided to separate from the latter.
In 2000, the group, locally known as the Kapatiran, forged an alliance with the government.
"It was then the start of the peace process through the Office on Presidential Assistant on Peace Process," Miraflores added.
Through the years, Miraflores initiated a local peace process with the RPA-ABB, most of whom are his townmates in Ibajay, Aklan.
"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 a livelihood, a concrete roads and soon a house promised by President Duterte," Miraflores added.