"If helping the poor is a crime, and fighting for freedom is rebellion, then I plead guilty as charged." Ka Bel

Unionists and progressives across the World are mourning the sad death of the Filipino Congressman and longtime militant union leader Crispin B. Beltran, popularly known as Ka Bel (Comrade Bel). Ka Bel died in hospital on Tuesday from head injuries sustained after falling from his home's roof, while repairing a leak. He was 75 years old.

For over 50 years he was involved in struggles against injustice, repression and the inhuman treatment of workers. During World War II Ka Bel was a courier for the guerrillas fighting the brutal Japanese occupation of the Philippines. In 1980 he helped form the militant trade union, the KMU (May 1st Movement). In 1982 he was imprisoned by the tyrannical US backed dictator Ferdinand Marcos. He escaped from prison in 1984 and lived underground until Marcos was overthrown by a popular 'People Power' uprising in 1986. Between 1987 and 2003 Ka Bel was the KMU's leader. During the first decade of the 21st Century he was a Congressman for the Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Party, who drafted many bills to improve the lot of the oppressed. He was a staunch opponent of the US War on Terror and the presence of the US troops in the Philippines. [Anakpawis Tribute to Ka Bel]

Between February 2006 and June 2007 Ka Bel was illegally imprisoned after the corrupt Arroyo regime declared a state of emergency. Protests calling for his freedom occurred around the World, including in Aotearoa during President Arroyo's May 2007 visit. [Protests Haunt Arroyo Tour] The KMU says Arroyo is responsible for Ka Bel's death because his health deteriorated considerably during his detention making him frail. [KMU Press Release]

The Philippines Solidarity Network of Aotearoa, (PSNA) who hosted Ka Bel on a speaking tour of Aotearoa in 1999, described him as a 'great man who was a much finer leader than any of the Presidents who make it their mission to oppress, exploit, assault, abduct, torture, imprison, frame and murder workers and the poor. [PSNA Tribute]

PSNA is making an appeal for donations to help pay for Ka Bel's funeral costs and outstanding medical bills from his time in prison. [More]

Links: Free Ka Bel Movement | Workers Party Tribute to Ka Bel | Indonesia Human Rights Committee Solidarity with Ka Bel