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"If helping the poor is a crime, and fighting for freedom is rebellion,
then I plead guilty as charged." - Crispin Beltran
The Nederlands Filippijnse Solidariteitsbeweging (NFS) extends its
heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and supporters of Philippine
member of parliament and longtime labor leader Crispin B. Beltran,
popularly known as Ka Bel. Last May 20 he died in hospital from head
injuries sustained after falling from the roof of his home while repairing
a leak. He was 75 years old.
For more than half a century, Ka Bel was involved in struggles against
injustice, repression and the inhuman treatment of workers. During World
War II, Ka Bel joined the guerrillas fighting the brutal Japanese
occupation of the Philippines. In the 1980s he helped to form the largest
and most organized workers' federation, the KMU (May 1st Movement). In
1982 he was thrown into prison by the American-backed dictator Ferdinand
Marcos. He escaped from prison in 1984 and went to the countrysides to
organize peasants until Marcos was overthrown by a 'People Power' uprising
in 1986. Between 1987 and 2003 Ka Bel was the chairperson of KMU. In 2001,
he was a elected into congress to represent farmers and workers. He
authored bills to improve the lives of the people. He served as the voice
of the oppressed. He also served as chairperson of the International
League of Peoples' Struggles (ILPS).
He visited the Netherlands several times and had spoken with several Dutch
members of parliament to tell them about the deteriorating human rights
situation under the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. During his
visits, he always made it a point to attend activities and gathering of
Filipinos to hear their stories and keep them updated about the situation
back home.
Between February 2006 and June 2007 Ka Bel was illegally imprisoned after
the corrupt Arroyo regime declared a state of emergency. Despite his age
and poor health, the Arroyo government kept him in detention for several
months. Protests calling for his freedom echoed around the World,
including in the Netehrlands and other European countries.
Members of the Filipino migrant community in the Netherlands described him
as a 'simple man who made a great impact on the lives on millions of
Filipinos'. Unlike many politicians who compromised their moral values, Ka
Bel was a shining example of a family man, a social activist, politician
and lawmaker. Despite constant threats and harassment from the Arroyo
government, Ka Bel remained firm in his principles.
'We shall miss him, but his life will always shine as an inspiration.
There should be more like him in Congress!' a Filipino migrant worker
said.
In behalf of the Netherlands-Filippijnse Solidariteitsbeweging
Theo Droog (chairperson)
The NFS is making an appeal for donations to help pay for Ka Bel's funeral
costs and medical bills that the Philippine government is charging him for
medical treatment while he was illegally detained. Put your donations at
number 8118425 – NFS at Leiden and mention tribute to KaBel.
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