TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF KA. BEL

We the Allied labor unions of Independence (ALUI) is shocked by the sad and sudden information and could not believe the demise of Ka Bel.  We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family and all the comrades and friends in deep sorrow.

For us Ka Bel is a great labor leader, a strong engine in promotion of international solidarity among workers, a comrade in anti-imperialism struggle, an elder brother we can frankly discuss anything with. In the long illegal detention last time, his fighting spirit became stronger to persist in his duty as Congressman, which was great inspiration to activists and workers here in Japan.

I met Ka. Bel for the first time during KMU-ISA in 1987 which was my first ISA, also. I remember in the ISA of 1987, Ka. Bel took over the chairmanship from Ka Lando Olalia who had been brutally murdered and all the participants mourned for him. My participation in ISA of 1987 was a start line for ALUI to practice international solidarity with Filipino workers.

Since then for more than 20 years we discussed with Ka Bel a lot, shared rallies and marches a lot, and enjoyed San Miguel beer a lot. We can not express how much we were encouraged and hinted by his practices, experiences, opinions, suggestions, as well as his open-mindedness, loud voice, and smile that always cleared up every suffering. In May One rally in Manila just weeks ago, Ka Bel gave a handwritten solidarity message to Japanese participants;

All of us do our respect we struggles -always in concert if possible– to achieve victory! We shall overcome ! Mabuhay !’

Ka Bel will be alive forever in our mind. He lives in the heart of people who suffer from imperialist rule and fight back in pursuit of genuine freedom, social justice, and democracy.

May Ka Bel in heaven always share courage with us !

We overcome deep sorrow to keep on struggles until the victory.

May 20, 2008

Keishi Tanaka

Chairperson

Allied Labor Unions of Independence (ALUI)-Japan

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