Statement on the death of Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran

News Release – May 20, 2008

For Reference: Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, 0920-9035683
For more information: Vince Borneo, Media Officer, 0927-7968198

Statement on the death of Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran

Bayan Muna joins the entire Filipino people in mourning the death of our dear comrade, former Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson and incumbent Anakpawis Representative Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran.

Ka Bel's death is an irreparable loss not only to the working class movement but to every Filipino yearning for genuine social change. He was a tower of a man, a pillar of strength for the progressive people's movement. His name has become synonymous to the militant labor movement.

Indeed, Ka Bel's leadership in the progressive
people's movement extended beyond our shores. At the time of his death, he was the Chairperson of the International Coordinating Group of the International League of People's Struggle (ILPS), an anti-imperialist and democratic formation of people's movements from more than 30 countries.

In Congress, Ka Bel proved his mettle as a genuine representative of the marginalized and oppressed, representing Bayan Muna in 2001-2003 and later, Partido Anakpawis. His voice was a voice of conscience and defiance to the well-entrenched, reactionary interests dominating thehalls and corridors of power.

This afternoon, we were expecting Ka Bel to join us in filing a bill to remove the Value Added Tax on power. We shall push through with the filing of the bill and include Ka Bel's name as a co-author in honor of his dedication to the struggles of our oppressed and marginalized people.

In his death, Ka Bel now joins Crisanto Evangelista, Ka Bert Olalia and Ka Lando Olalia in that list of great leaders of the revolutionary working class movement.

We shall miss Ka Bel terribly. But his legacy of struggle continues.



Rep. Satur Ocampo
Party President

Dr. Reynaldo Lesaca
Party Chairman

Nathanael
Santiago
Party Secretary General

Rep. Teddy Casino
Party list representative


Vincent Michael L. Borneo
Political Affairs Officer
(Media and Public Relations)

Office of BAYAN MUNA Rep. Teddy A. Casiño
Rm. 508, North Wing Bldg.,
House of Representatives, Quezon City
Telefax no: 931-5911