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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
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
May 21, 2008
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!
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