IAC Statement on the Passing of Philippine Revolutionary Leader Crispin Beltran - Ka Bel
The International Action Center sends greetings of
solidarity, condolence and great respect to the comrades, friends and
family of the great Philippine working class leader Crispin Beltran
- Ka Bel. His heroic contributions to the struggle of the Philippine
people stand as a shining example to all peoples fighting for change and a
new world.
Ka Bel exemplified the self sacrifice, unshakable
determination and especially the optimism of great revolutionary leaders.
All who knew him, worked with him or even those who had occasion just to
meet him were struck by his confident manner and fighting spirit.
The revolutionary struggle for real change has gone
through many difficult times in the Philippines and
internationally. And while some may lose the will to fight or get
co-opted into the system of capitalism and become corrupt mouthpieces for U.S.
imperialism, Ka Bel remained incorruptible and dedicated to the struggle
for justice.
Over more than five decades the unbowed resolve of Ka Bel
in the face of imprisonment, torture and other great hardships,
during U.S., Japanese and again U.S. occupations and dictatorships, has insured
that new generations of Philippine workers would arise to continue
the fight. Never did he compromise his values, and even as a
politician in Congress, he maintained his undying bias towards Filipino
workers, the poor, migrants, and the international working class. His
life is an example to working class and anti-imperialist activists around the
world.
We are confident that Ka Bel’s revolutionary
outlook, so incorruptible and so committed to the people will be
continued by those he inspired with his way of teaching through
example.
Ka Bel will be sorely missed, but he is not gone. Like
stars in the night sky whose light we see reflecting billions of
miles away, long after their death, so too will the stellar life of Ka
Bell continue to inspire us until victory is won.
Long Live the Revolutionary Example of Ka Bel! Long Live
the Philippine Struggle! Down with U.S. Imperialism!
