WHO IS MARCIAL "Tibong" DUMAPIAS TALDO?

A loving husband, a responsible father and uncle and a friend who
always had a smile to give. This was how family and loved ones
remember the first fatality of the November 13 Batasan bombing.

The 54 year-old driver of Gabriela Women's Party Representative Luz
Ilagan originally hails from Loboc, Bohol and is the youngest of
eight siblings. He finished 2nd-year high school and was forced to
earn his keep when they had to move to Davao with other relatives
after they were orphaned.

His involvement in the progressive movement began in the early 1980s
as an organizer for the Agdao community in Davao. His friendly and
cheerful demeanor made him a very approachable and effective
organizer. They fondly called him "Tibong" or "Tiburcio" a name that
had stuck since his days as a community organizer in Davao. This was
also where he met his wife Mayang, with whom he has two kids, Norman
and Norcel. His children would remember how Marcial would jokingly
say, "It was your mother who courted me!"

In 1987, Tibong and his family was forced to relocate to Manila at
the height of militarization campaign and the formation of the Alsa
Masa vigilante group in Mindanao which targetted community
organizers like Tibong and Mayang. Tibong's family became part of
the Davao City Displaced Families and was likewise part of a
Mindanao support group, Katig Mindanao.

When they reached Manila, Tibong volunteered as driver and messenger
of various NGOs such as the Ecumenical Movement for Justice and
Peace, Save the Children Foundation, Philippine Social Science
Center, GTZED and OXFAM-USA.

A charismatic individual and a natural organizer, Tibong remained
active in community concerns as president of the Samahan ni Birhen
Fatima. Long time friends also said he had a natural concern for and
respect for women. This was probably why, he and his wife Mayang
both became active with the local Gabriela affiliate in their
community, Samahan ng Maralitang Kababaihang Nagkakaisa (SAMAKANA).

Family and friends would recall that he was always conscious of
making sure that rights of both men and women are equally
recognized. Tibong had no qualms with doing housework nor with being
domesticated. He would cook, do the laundry and even take care of
their little backyard garden. His favorite bonding time with his
children would be during wrestling or boxing matches, Tibong himself
being a Judo black belter.

Rep. Luz Ilagan would describe Marcial as a conscientious and
cheerful worker who had much initiative and was always a careful
driver. According to friends, they were not surprised when Tibong
opted to drive for Rep. Ilagan. He was the kind who was always eager
to volunteer whatever skills he had to the progressive
movement. "Driving is the one thing I can do well. It is my
contribution to the movement," Marcial would say. #

Marcial Taldo's remains lie in state at the St. Peter's Church in
Commonwealth, Quezon City. He will be laid to rest on November 17,
Saturday at the Holy Cross Memorial, Quirino Hi-way, The funeral
march which will pass by the Batasan gates will start at 9:00 am.
(Prepared for friends in the media by: Gabriela Women's Party)

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