| |
The Philippines solidarity movement in Belgium renders tribute to Ka Bel
The Philippines Solidarity Groups in Belgium (FGB) condoles with the
family and friends of Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran, the great leader of the
Filipino working class. Our thoughts go out to the many people who will
miss him so dearly after his untimely death: his wife, children and
grandchildren, who will miss a loving father; his comrades in the Kilusang
Mayo Uno and Anakpawis, who will have to do without his leadership; and
the millions of struggling Filipinos who are continuing their struggle for
freedom and democracy without his wisdom.
We are proud that many of us have been able to meet Ka Bel, the union
leader who always made time for a chat with visitors, the congressman who
lived the life of the people he wanted to serve, the politician who always
defended the interest of the poor and the oppressed, the internationalist
who was always curious to learn about social struggles in our own country.
When we learned about his passing away, some of us posted their memories
of Ka Bel on their blogs. One of us met him already more than 20 years
ago, when Ka Bel had just assumed the presidency of the KMU after its
former president was assassinated. “I didn't understand one single word of
his speech, which was held in tagalog,” he said, “but his determination
and conviction left a deep impression on me.” Also another member of our
solidarity group remembers his powerful speeches. “But once you had a
personal conversation with him, this powerful speaker changed into a very
humble man who was genuinely interested in who you were and what you did,”
she wrote. Another one visited him in 2006 while he was detained in the
Philippine Heart Center and remembers how he kept on asking questions
about social struggles the world over as if his own detention had become a
secondary problem for him.
We are inspired by the life of Ka Bel, who is one of the reasons why we
are continuing to build solidarity with the Philippine people's movement.
We render tribute to Ka Bel with our unwavering commitment to the Filipino
people in their quest for freedom and democracy.
Mabuhay si Ka Bel!
Long live international solidarity!
Brussels, May 23, 2008
|
|
