Pala's professional career was first established when he became the main spokesperson for the Alsa Masa, an anti-communist vigilante group based in Davao City, in 1987.
[4] Alsa Masa was known for hunting down and killing members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and alleged corrupt politicians, and has also been blamed for human rights violations.
In 1995, Pala leveraged his popularity to run for congressman of the city's second district, but he was defeated by then-congressman Manuel Garcia.
[7] During his later career, Pala aired critical commentaries against various government officials including Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
[8] Nelly Castillo, one of Pala's colleagues, revealed that he admitted that he extorted money from politicians, businessmen and even his friends.
The first attempt was in June 2001 while Pala was returning home from work when unknown gunmen fired at his taxi, grazing him in the neck.