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Message of condolence
We AWC-Japan are in deep sorrow to hear the news of the sudden demise of
Com. Crispin Beltran (Ka. Bel) and would like to convey our heartfelt
condolence to his family, all the comrades, and friends in the
Philippines.
Ka. Bel is an outstanding leader who has been in the front of liberation
struggle of Filipino people throughout his life. He started to serve
workers when he was young, kept on fighting under martial law regime,
served as chairperson of militant KMU and BAYAN, worked as dedicated
pro-people Congress person, and chairperson of ILPS. He devoted himself in
the struggle for decent living, welfare, human rights of workers and
toiling masses, for the cause of anti-imperialism and national liberation,
democracy and peace.
His activities were not restricted in the Philippines alone, but carried
out across the borders as well. He made great contribution to the advance
of international labor movement and people’s campaign.
It was in 1987 when our workers first participated in KMU-ISA, and met Ka.
Bel. Later he often visited Japan to encourage lots of workers/unions who
were faced with capitalists’ all-out offensive, and convinced them to
firmly unite and fight for the victory. He also resolutely oppose the
increasing economic hegemony and military presence of U.S. and Japan in
Asian Pacific region, and stressed Japanese people to unite with Asian
people and scrap the imperialists’ plot. When we established `Asian Wide
Campaign against U.S.-Japanese Aggression and Domination of Asia’ (AWC),
Ka. Bel served as its co-representative, and played a great and
indispensable role. It is our grave regret that we lost the great leader
like him in the midst of sweeping new-liberalism globalization and global
‘war on terror.’ However, we salute and follow his activities rooted in
anti-imperialism and internationalism spirit, and further advance AWC
campaign.
Ka. Bel has left us the great example and legacy of struggle to liberate
workers and toiling masses. Together with people of the Philippines and
the world over, we pledge to take after his goal and unyielding sprit to
push through anti-imperialist struggle to the victory.
May 22, 2008
Shuichi Koshiro
Co-representative
Asian Wide Campaign against U.S.-Japanese Aggression and Domination of
Asia’ (AWC)--Japan
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