(L-R): Armida Siquion-Reyna, Chickoy Pura, Bayan Sec. Gen Nato Reyes and KMU Chair Elmer Labog sang the favorite songs of Ka Bel and Ka Osang

Long live the memory of Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran, outstanding fighter for national and social liberation, beloved leader of the Filipino working class and people

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan pays its highest tribute to our former chairman, Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran after his untimely passing on May 20, 2008. We give our most heartfelt condolences to the family, comrades, friends and the millions of supporters who are grieving the loss of an outstanding fighter for national and social liberation and a beloved leader of the Filipino working class and people.

The Filipino people mourn the loss of a towering figure in the Philippine labor and people's movement. Ka Bel holds the distinct achievement of being chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, the multi-sectoral Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, the partylist Anakpawis and the International League of People's Struggle.

Before holding these important positions in the mass movement, Ka Bel was a courier for the guerilla movement against the Japanese occupation in World War 2, a taxi driver and union leader in the 50's, and a leader of the labor sector from the 60's onward, before becoming a lawmaker.

Ka Bel was detained during Martial Law but managed to escape the fascist dictatorship and continue the struggle in the underground movement. He continued his activities during the Aquino, Ramos and Estrada administrations, often leading huge protest actions for workers demands, human rights, and a host of multi-sectoral issues.

Ka Bel was also detained and placed under hospital arrest for 16 months under the fascist Arroyo regime. He was arrested based on a 20 year old warrant and charged with the non-bailable crime of rebellion in 2006. The Supreme Court has ordered the trumped up charges dismissed.

Time and again, the powers that be sought to suppress the fiery resistance of Ka Bel. None succeeded.

Ka Bel was loved by the people he served. His determination, sacrifice and simple living inspired others, especially when he upheld these same values while serving in the House of Representatives. Ka Bel would not be bribed nor bought. He was poor, yes, but only in terms of assets and liabilities. What he gave up in wealth, he more than made up for in terms of honesty and integrity.

He was also steadfast in his beliefs. Ka Bel believed that a better world is possible and that this could be achieved only through the united struggle of oppressed peoples here and abroad. He believed that imperialism and reaction can be defeated and that a bright socialist future awaits the toiling peoples of the world. He was a staunch patriot who believed that the Philippines should be freed from the scourges of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.

We grieve the loss of Ka Bel. His death is as heavy as the Sierra Madre. He lived a life ever-dedicated to the liberation of the Filipino people and the emancipation of the working class.

We offer our most militant salute to our beloved Ka Bel!

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
May 21, 2008
 

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